Great Wall of China Historical Facts and Pictures

The Great Wall of China, also known among the Chinese as the “Wan -Li Qang-Qeng” which means 10,000 Li long wall (10,000 Li = 5000 km), is perhaps the most formidable defense structure to have ever been built by humans. The Wall was built continuously for a period of almost 2000 years from the 3rd Century BC to the 17th Century AD by successive Chinese Emperors.

Great Wall of China Images

At present the Great Wall begins in the east Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west.

Great Wall of China Map

Great Wall of China Map

The Great Wall of China

Though, the main purpose of the Wall was to prevent the intrusion of the Celestial Empire led by the barbarians,  several historians believe that it also served as a commercial check point which enabled the Chinese Empire to regulate trade and allow for the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was further enlarged and fortified with signal towers and cannons.

Great Wall of China Picture

Great Wall of China Pictures

Great Wall of China Side View

All the original elements of the Great Wall, including its location, material, form, technology and structure, have been well preserved to the present day. The Wall is primarily made up of bricks and stones though in some places tiles and limestone have also been used. The upper most portion of the wall consists of the battlements with defensive gaps and parapets from which guards could survey the surrounding land. Barracks, stables and armories were also built near the wall’s inner surface.

Great Wall of China

Side View of Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China Image

Great Wall of China Photo

The Towers of the Great Wall of China

The Great wall has an incomparable symbolic significance in the cultural history of China. It also serves as a unique example of a military architectural ensemble that served a strategic purpose for almost two millenniums. But the authenticity of its setting is vulnerable today due to the construction of inappropriate tourism facilities like the cable car at Badaling.

Great Wall of China Tower Inside

Great Wall of China Tower

Inside of Tower on Great Wall of China

Inside the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China can also be seen from the Earth’s lower orbit; but contrary to popular legend, it is not visible from the moon.