The Great Wall of China is without doubt one of the most emblematic monuments in the world. Although many people know about its impressive length and its historical significance, there are still many fascinating facts that remain unknown to the public at large. In this article, we will explore 10 little details known about the Great Wall of China, shedding light on their origin, construction, unique features and enduring legacy. Whether you're a history buff or you just feel curious about this magnificent structure, it's sure that you'll be surprised by what you discover. So, let's dig into the mysteries of the Great Wall and discover some of its secrets more intriguing.
1. Origin and length
For centuries, this architectural wonder has captivated the minds of people of all social classes. The structure is the longest ever built by mankind, the Great Wall of China, covers some amazing 21.196 kilometres in length. The Great Wall of China, which is not a single continuous line, but a conglomerate of walls composed of several sections along two millennia, was erected to protect the chinese from the invasions of the north. Some of its oldest parts date back to the EIGHTH century.C., while other sections were built much later, during the Ming dynasty, in the SEVENTEENTH century.
2. Construction
The feat of engineering of the colossal wall covers a period of over two millennia. Over the centuries, are used various bricks, earth and rocks in their composition. It is divided in stages, and each dynasty made its own contribution. The section most well-known and preserved are carried out during the Ming dynasty, 1368-1644. It took the work of many millions of people to complete this colossal undertaking, with a death toll of more than a million individuals.
The company was huge and required a planning and organization meticulous. The topography, climate, and resources presented their own challenges. The method of construction of the structure varied from the masonry to the tamping of the earth and the carving of the stone. We employed a seismic design to make the wall more resistant to seismic activity. This design was composed of a series of zigzag patterns that absorbed the shock waves. The construction of the wall is an example of the inventiveness and determination of the chinese people.
3. Tilt and state-of-the Great Wall
The remarkable inclination of the ancient construction of the great Wall of China is one of its most striking features. It is known that some sections of the wall reaching up to 45 degrees, which is discouraging for those who want to pass through it. This inclination was deliberately designed to make it difficult for the enemies soared and dominate defenders. In addition, the pronounced tilt helps to redistribute the weight of the wall, giving you greater protection against natural disasters and earthquakes.
4. Popularity and visits
One of the resorts most coveted in the world is the iconic Great Wall of China, that attracts each year millions of visitors from all corners of the planet. This majestic structure is famous for its impressive architecture, its rich history and breathtaking views. Explorers can walk along the wall and to experience its greatness for themselves.
To walk the entire length of the wall is a popular activity, although it can take weeks to complete it. The sections of the wall vary in difficulty and all offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Take a cable car to the top is another way to appreciate the view in a different way.
The Great Wall of China has become a cultural phenomenon that often appears in movies, documentaries, and literature. Blockbusters of Hollywood as The last emperor and The mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor have shown the wall, inspiring many to visit her. It has also become a center of cultural events, such as music festivals and art exhibitions.
The chinese government has spent significant amounts of money to preserve and restore the wall, which has also become an important source of income for the country. Thanks to the maintenance of the wall, visitors can continue to enjoy their beauty for years to come.
5. Form, the completion and preservation of the Great Wall
The construction of a protective barrier that would cover more than two millennia and through 8.850 kilometres of land to the chinese was a feat ambitious. The network of walls, towers, towers, beacons and strengths that make up the Great Wall of China is a testimony to the ingenuity and engineering of humans. Initially built to defend against the invasions of nomads, the great wall was constructed using a variety of materials, such as bricks, rammed earth and stone.
In the TWENTIETH century, the chinese government has endeavoured to preserve and restore the wall with the Project for the Protection of the Great Wall of China, 1984. However, despite this effort, a third of the wall has been lost due to erosion, urbanization, tourism, and even the theft of bricks by the villagers. However, the section's best-preserved part of the wall has attracted millions of visitors each year to appreciate its unique features and stunning visual effects.
6. Natural barriers
The need of the chinese empire to protect the nomadic tribes of the north made the construction of a defensive wall, although it was not possible to cover the entire border. Natural barriers, as rivers, and deserts, prevented the construction of a continuous barrier. One of the obstacles that faced the project was the Yellow river, a waterway of 5,464 km which acted as a deterrent for the northerners. The Gobi desert, one of the largest sand deserts in the world, was another natural element that is interposed between the chinese and a wall complete. This barren expanse, 1,300 kilometers long and 800 kilometres wide, representing a formidable challenge for the builders. To overcome this, we used an imaginative mixture of earth, stone and wood to the wall to resist the harsh conditions of the desert.
Finally, the mountains Taihang, a mountain chain that extends 400 kilometers in the north, led to an additional barrier. To take advantage of the roughness of the terrain, the wall was built on the highest peaks, making it nearly impossible for the invaders to the cross. This section of the wall is famous as the Great Wall of the Mountains of Taihang.
7. Order for the construction of the Great Wall
The completion of the epic defensive structure culminated in 1644, during the Qing dynasty. Spanning more than two millennia, the construction of the barrier was begun in the EIGHTH century.C. and it was a sustained effort of several chinese dynasties. Its purpose was to deter invasions by nomads from the north, but with the passage of time began to symbolise the power and unity of the nation. Were required countless workers and resources around the country to complete this gigantic task, and an engineering feat of this magnitude was unprecedented in chinese history.
After centuries of construction and maintenance, the colossal wall reached its final form in the SEVENTEENTH century. The need to defend him had ceased, and the government pursued other projects. Although it was no longer necessary for the protection, its importance for the identity and culture of China continued to grow. Today, the great wall is one of the most visited tourist attractions, which annually draws millions of globetrotters. Its completion marked the conclusion of a long and complex history, but also the beginning of his transformation into a world-wide symbol of prestige.
8. Loss and damage
The iconic structure, which extends over thousands of kilometers, has endured countless centuries of erosion and human interference. Unfortunately, a third of the wall has been compromised, which has led conservationists to take action.
Attempts have been made to restore to protect the remaining sections, although some areas remain vulnerable. The levels of tourism have caused wear and tear, while the mining and the illegal construction have caused more destruction in the surrounding area. These challenges have made it difficult for the conservation of the wall for future generations.
9. Unique features
The Great Wall, an emblematic monument to the chinese, it has some impressive features. One of them are the watchtowers, placed tactically to provide a general overview without obstacles of the area. The soldiers were used to monitor the opposition and communicate with other towers along the wall. The distances between them varied as a function of the terrain, and some of them were situated on top of the high points and even serve as a shelter in case of bad weather.
Another aspect worthy of mention of the construction of the Great Wall are the sizes of brick and stone that can be seen by all the wall. Many of them dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and they represent various themes such as animals, plants and mythical creatures. The artisans used these carvings to beautify the wall, but also to spread propaganda about military successes, or important events in chinese history.
The wall also has a number of defensive structures, such as battlements and crenellated, which were created to protect soldiers from the invaders. The battlements were lined up at the top of the wall, providing protection while shooting arrows at the enemy. The battlements, the clefts of the battlements, allowed the soldiers to monitor the surroundings while staying safe.
The Great Wall also had a system of doors and steps that regulate who and what he was able to enter the country. They were strongly fortified, and often served as the fields of battle. Some prominent examples are the Step of Shanhai and Jiayuguan Pass, both located in the west of China. These steps and fortifications are a testament to the strength and creativity of those who built the walls, and defended their country against foreign incursion.
10. Myths and legends associated with the Great Wall
Myths and legends have always surrounded the magnificent buildingand some of them are quite intriguing. One of the most popular is that it is visible from space. In reality, this is not true, because the structure is not wide enough as to be seen from the distance of the Moon. However, it is still an impressive sight when viewed from above, which explains why this myth has persisted for so long.
Another popular legend is that the construction was carried out with the help of spirits. According to some stories, the workers who built the walls could not finish it on time, so they sought the assistance of supernatural beings to complete the task. Although this may seem far-fetched, it speaks of the incredible feat of engineering that represents the structure.
Also, rumors abound hidden treasures and secret tunnels inside of the wall. Some suggest that the wall was built not only to protect themselves from the invaders, but also to save valuable riches. Others theorize that there are secret tunnels inside of the wall that used soldiers to move without being detected from one area to another. Although it is likely that these stories are nothing more than myths, increase the fascination and the mystery of this extraordinary building.
conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is a magnificent work of engineering that has stood the test of time. Since its origin, and length, up to his inclination and state, passing through the natural barriers that went into its construction, the Great Wall continues to fascinate and attract visitors from all over the world. Although some sections have been lost with time, the best-preserved sections of the wall serve as a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the people who built it. So if you are interested in the history, the myths or the unique characteristics of the Great Wall, there is something that everyone can discover and appreciate.
I'm a passionate traveler who has been lucky enough to tour some of the most amazing. From the chaos of the cities to the tranquility of the more remote beaches, I am always looking for new adventures that will allow me to experience the beauty and diversity of our planet.