Why the Great Wall of China is Deemed to a System

The Great Wall, the most famous fortification in ancient China, was built and developed by the Chinese people over a long history, and it served as a great defence. The Great Wall not only secured China, but also contributed to the political, economic and cultural prosperity of the Han Dynasty and subsequent dynasties. The study of the Great Wall will provide a better understanding of the ancient Chinese defence system and the history of foreign relations, as well as a deeper appreciation of the development of Chinese civilisation.    

The Defence System of the Great Wall

the Great Wall of China system

The most important defence system in ancient China, the Great Wall was built in the seventh century BC and spanned China's northern border. The Great Wall not only served a military defence function, but also had a cultural significance in facilitating trade and cultural exchange. While it is often thought of as a single, continuous structure, the Great Wall is actually a series of fortifications that were built and rebuilt over several centuries.

The Great Wall system consisted of walls, defensive towers and an official garrison. It was built in strategic locations to keep out nomads from the north who invaded the central plains and to protect imperial territory. The walls was made of large stones, bricks and clay, of varying heights and wide enough for several people to walk across. Officials built fortifications on the walls and sent officers and soldiers to guard them as necessary. Over time, the walls were improved and reinforced, and even concrete and reinforced concrete fortifications were built at key military points to strengthen the Wall's defences.

The Great Wall is a System of Communication and Defense

The Great Wall was not only a physical barrier against invading armies but also a system of communication and defense. Signal towers were built at regular intervals along the wall, and soldiers stationed at these towers would use smoke signals, drums, and flags to communicate with one another. This allowed for quick and effective communication across long distances and helped to coordinate the defense of different sections of the wall.

In addition to its defensive capabilities, the Great Wall also served as a symbol of Chinese power and unity. The wall was built by thousands of laborers, soldiers, and craftsmen from across the empire, and it became a unifying symbol of Chinese national identity. The Great Wall also played a role in China's diplomatic relations with other countries, just like the Silk Road. During the Ming Dynasty, the wall was used to control and regulate trade with neighboring countries, and it was also used to facilitate diplomatic exchanges and negotiations.

The importance of the Great Wall in terms of defence, agriculture and trade in goods made it an important local economic centre, with products such as stone tools, copper products, gold, silver and jewellery and silk being transported to the north during the Great Wall trade period. The existence of the Great Wall not only established a strong military system within its gradually expanding boundaries, but also facilitated cultural exchanges between China and abroad, all of which had a profound impact on the development of Chinese history.

Today, the Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China's most popular tourist attractions. While some sections of the wall have fallen into disrepair, many sections have been restored and are open to visitors.

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