When Was the Great Wall of China Built?
The Great Wall of China is a symbol that has come to represent the essence of Chinese civilization and its legacy. This massive fortification, which stretches over 13,000 miles, was built over a period of more than 2,000 years, beginning in the 7th century BC and continuing through the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century. The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental undertaking that required the labor of millions of workers over many centuries.
What Year was the Great Wall of China Built?
The construction of the Great Wall of China began in the 7th century BC, during the reign of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) At that time, the various states of China were engaged in frequent wars and conflicts, and the walls were built to provide protection from invading armies. The earliest walls were made of earth and stone, and were relatively simple in design.
Over the centuries, the Great Wall of China was expanded and improved upon by various Chinese dynasties. During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), the wall was connected and extended, creating a continuous barrier along the northern borders of China. It was during this time that the wall was given its present name, "The Great Wall of China."
During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), the wall was further extended and fortified. The Han Dynasty also built watchtowers and fortifications along the wall, which served as lookout points and defensive positions.
The Great Wall of China was rebuilt and expanded once again during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This was the most ambitious period of construction for the wall, and it was during this time that most of today’s existing sections of the wall were built. The Ming Dynasty added watchtowers, fortresses, and barracks along the wall, making it a formidable defensive structure.
How Long did it Take to Build the Great Wall?
It is difficult to determine exactly how long it took to build the Great Wall of China, as construction continued over a period of more than 2,000 years. However, the majority of the existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty, a period of about 200 years. During this time, the wall was constructed in sections, with each section taking between 5 and 10 years to complete.The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental undertaking that required the labor of millions of workers over many centuries. It is estimated that as many as 20 million people may have died during the construction of the wall, due to the difficult working conditions and the harsh living conditions endured by the workers.
Is the Great Wall of China Still Standing?
Today, many sections of the Great Wall of China still stand, although much of it has fallen into disrepair over the centuries. In some places, the wall has been destroyed by natural disasters or by human activities, such as the construction of highways and railways.
What are the best surviving Great Wall of China?
- Badaling Great Wall, located at the north entrance of the ancient road of Guanguo, Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing. It is an important part of the Great Wall of China, the great defense project of ancient China, the Great Wall of Ming Dynasty, and a defile of the Great Wall.- Mutianyu Great Wall, located in Huairou District, is one of the 16 new scenic spots in Beijing.
- Simatai Great Wall, located in Gubeikou Town in the northeast of Miyun County, Beijing, 120 km from Beijing.
- Gubeikou Great Wall, the most complete Great Wall system in the history of the Great Wall of China, consists of the Great Wall of Northern Qi and the Great Wall of Ming Dynasty.
- Jiankou Great Wall, located in the northwest of Huairou County in Beijing, about 30 kilometers from Huairou County.
In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is one of the world's most impressive architectural achievements, and a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Chinese people. While much of the wall has fallen into disrepair over the centuries, many sections of it still stand, and are visited by visitor throughout the world.
