The Majestic Great Wall of China: A Journey Through Time

The majestic Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world, When often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about ancient fortifications. Its origins trace back to the third century B.C., during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The great wall has an amazing engineering prowess an the enduring interest it inspires. Originally conceived as a means of preventing incursions from barbarian nomads, it evolved into much more than a mere defensive structure.

Made mostly of earth and stone, the wall stretched from the China Sea port of Shanhaiguan over 3,000 miles west into Gansu province. In some strategic areas, sections of the wall overlapped for maximum security (including the Badaling stretch, north of Beijing, that was later restored during the Ming Dynasty). From a base of 15 to 50 feet, the Great Wall rose some 15-30 feet high and was topped by ramparts 12 feet or higher; guard towers were distributed at intervals along it.