THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

History of the Great Wall of China

 

The Great Wall of China began construction in 770 - 476 BC, and lasted until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Smaller walls had been built over the years, but the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, decided that he wanted a single giant wall to protect his northern borders. This was to protect China from the Mongols. He ordered that a single strong wall be built with thousands of lookout towers where soldiers could guard and protect his empire. The beacon towers on thw wall used fire and smoke signals to contact each other. About 1 million laborers worked on the wall. Sadly, 300,000 thought to have died in the construction of the wall.

 

But in 1211 AD the wall didn't succeed in keeping the barbarians out. Genghs Khan invaded and conquered China. In 1368 the Chinese expeled the Mongols and established the Ming Dynasty. Stronger walls were built usng skilled laborers.

 

Watch the video below to discover more about the Great Wall of China.