Length: 8,851.8 km (5,500 miles)
Construction Period: About 2,000 years
from the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC) to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
The
ancient Chinese laboring people (common people, farmers, soldiers and
slaves)
, had built the wall so as to protect the
Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups or military incursions
by various warlike people or forces, such as the Mongols.
Several walls were being built as early as
the 7th century BC; these later joined together and made bigger and stronger,
are now collectively referred to as the Great Wall. Especially famous is the wall built
between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Though little
of that wall remains, as the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt,
maintained, and enhanced.
The Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed
as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the
Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus,
stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of
China.
The Great Wall of China is of great
significance to the Chinese. Even including it in a part of their national
anthem, “Let our flesh and blood forge a new Great Wall!”, proving it an iconic
symbol of China. Many people died during its construction, due to the heavy
work, short time limit and tough conditions, archaeologists having discovered
many human remains buried under sections of the wall. The Great Wall serves as
a monumental importance to the modern people of China today, a symbol of their
ancestors’ patriotic act. The Chinese having a well-known saying that
translates to: “If you haven’t climbed the Great Wall, you’re not a real man."| The Great Wall of China |
http://www.shedexpedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/great-wall-of-china.jpeg
Sources:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/facts/who-built.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China
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