China Great Wall
The history of the construction of the Great Wall of China can be dated back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC - 771 BC). But the Great Wall at that time was only a line of fortresses standing to defend against attacks from the Yanyun (an ancient nomadic tribe in north China). The Period of the Warring States (476 BC - 221 BC) was an era when the seven states (Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, Qin) were busy engaging in Great Wall construction for self-defense. Instead of one line, their walls stretched in the four directions and varied in length from several hundred miles to one or two thousand miles. 
Great Wall Structure Illustration
In the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC) the emperor Qin Shihuang ordered his laborers to connect these scattered walls and create some new sections, thus forming a Great Wall in northern and central China in the true sense. The Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) further developed the defensive system of the wall and strengthened it on a larger scale. It pushed the wall construction to its highest peak.
The winding Great Wall is not merely a wall but instead a complete and rigorous defense project composed of countless passes,
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| Great Wall Bricks |
The average height of the Ming Great Wall measures 33 feet and the width is about five yards. In low, flat areas the Great Wall was built high and more defense lines were added. In the lofty mountains, the wall was a little lower in order to save the human and financial cost. Sometimes, even steep cliffs served as natural walls to thwart enemies.
Today, the Great Wall has lost its military function, but as a great ancient engineering work, its magnificent beauty and austere structure are still worthy appreciating.
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Travelers' Voices on Great Wall Construction
1.
Nov. 3,2009 12:49 Reply
Mr.TEDDYBEAR said:
how did the great wall increase trade?
Nov. 3,2009 21:53
Mr.snow replied:
In Western Han Dynasty, the great wall was built also to protect the smooth trade on silk road from being disturbed by northern nomadic tribes.
2.
Nov. 3,2009 10:38 Reply
Mr.chiron(Europe) said:
is it true the roman gods helped build this wall
Nov. 3,2009 21:51
Ms.Ruby replied:
Not true, the wall was build by ancient chinese people in many dynasties.
3.
Oct. 26,2009 23:53 Reply
Ms.Bunny(Philippines) said:
What is the chronology of events in building the great wall exactly?
Oct. 27,2009 03:43
Mr.Rainbow replied:
Hi, see this page
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/history/chronology.htm
4.
Oct. 26,2009 08:21 Reply
Ms.girl(USA) said:
what invention of war made it essential to build the wall with briicks
Oct. 26,2009 20:18
Mr.lala replied:
At the cold weapon age, the brick wall was strong enough to defend the enemy's knives.
5.
Oct. 26,2009 08:21 Reply
Mrs.vgsbnadgnhf(asia) said:
what percent of the great wall remains in googd condition
Oct. 26,2009 20:15
Mr.Lin replied:
One third.
6.
Sep. 20,2009 16:26 Reply
Ms.parishay(Pakistan n) said:
is it true that from moon we can see the great wall of china?its true that labour construct this wall, but they construct it on the hills,i mean to say on natural hite they built? in short if it does not built on hills or mountain we can not able to see that great wall. means that hills can also be seen from moon?
Sep. 20,2009 21:34
Mr.Bon replied:
It is not true that the great wall of china can be seen from moon. It is true that labors constructed the wall on the mountains, yes natural site.
Oct. 26,2009 02:35
Ms.Scarlett(Australia) replied:
Ms. Parishay: the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from the moon - it can, however, be seen from orbit outside the Earth's atmosphere.
7.
Oct. 24,2009 14:25 Reply
Ms.girl(USA) said:
what are two ways that builders use natural resourcess in the construction of the great wall
Oct. 24,2009 20:40
Mr.Robin replied:
First they used stones and second they used animals to carry stones or bricks to the mountains.
8.
Oct. 21,2009 13:20 Reply
Mr.morris(usa) said:
is it true bodies are buried beneath the wall
Oct. 21,2009 19:45
Mr.Felix replied:
Yes, it is true. The workers died of building the wall were simply buried at the foot of the wall to save funeral expense and time.
9.
Oct. 21,2009 14:33 Reply
Ms.person(USA) said:
The Great Wall of China was under construction from 215 bc to 204 bc.
10.
Oct. 12,2009 07:34 Reply
Mr.dingleback(advhyuibvg) said:
what percant of the wall is still up?
Oct. 12,2009 20:14
Mr.Jim replied:
one third