History of the Great Wall of China

221 B.C.

When Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered construction of the Great Wall around 221 B.C., the labor force that built the wall was made up largely of soldiers and convicts. It is said that as many as 400,000 people died during the wall's construction; many of these workers were buried within the wall itself.

The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. It went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. It began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty.

Ming Dynasty

The sections of the Great Wall that we mostly associate with The Great Wall of China were built by the Ming Dynasty. This was the last part of the wall that was built and has been made with brick and features many tall watch-towers.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang

Originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (c. 259-210 B.C.) in the third century B.C. as a means of preventing incursions from barbarian nomads into the Chinese Empire, the wall is one of the most extensive construction projects ever completed.

Facts about the Great Wall of China

most impressive architectural feats in history.

Today, the Great Wall is generally recognized as one of the most impressive architectural feats in history.

Can't be seen from Space

Contrary to common belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. It can be seen with aid of a high powered telescope.

21,196.18 km (5,500.3 mi

Length: 21,196.18 km (5,500.3 mi), all known sections were measured

Stairs

Most people don’t know that the Great Wall is made up of thousands and thousands of stairs

43 miles is the best part

Over the years, roadways have been cut through the wall in various points, and many sections have deteriorated after centuries of neglect. The best-known section of the Great Wall of China–Badaling, located 43 miles (70 km) northwest of Beijing–was rebuilt in the late 1950s.

Sticky Rice

Sticky rice is used in the construction of the Great Wall

Erosion

The Great Wall of China is threatened with erosion. The northwestern sections (e.g. in Gansu and Ningxia provinces) of the Great Wall are deteriorating so quickly. It is believed that these sections may disappear within 20 years, due to demolishment by nature and human.