Introduction: The Great Wall is a military defense project in ancient China and one of the world's cultural heritages. The Great Wall was first built in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, probably in 770 BC, and the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period began to be built, and now it has a history of nearly 2,700 years. This article will detail the history, construction process and changes of the Great Wall, and lead readers to appreciate the legendary charm of this great building.
1. The historical evolution of the Great Wall.
Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period: The construction of the Great Wall can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. At that time, in order to defend against foreign invasions, the vassal states built their own walls. These walls later became the forerunners of the Great Wall.
Qin Dynasty: After Qin Shi Huang unified the six countries, in order to defend against the invasion of northern nomads, the original walls of Zhao, Qin, Yan, Wei, Zhao and other countries were connected to form the original Great Wall. The Great Wall of this period is dominated by earthen walls, with a total length of about 150,000 km.
Han Dynasty: During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the Great Wall was further expanded and strengthened. The Han Dynasty built military facilities such as beacon towers and enemy towers on the Great Wall to improve defense capabilities. At the same time, the Han Dynasty also carried out large-scale immigration and border warfare, and strengthened its control along the Great Wall.
Sui Dynasty: During the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui, the Great Wall was extensively repaired and strengthened in order to defend against Turkic infestation. The Great Wall of this period is dominated by stone walls, with a total length of about 180,000 km.
Ming Dynasty: The Ming Dynasty was the last stage in the construction of the Great Wall. During the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall was greatly expanded and reinforced, forming the Great Wall we see today. The Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty is dominated by brick walls and has a total length of about 8,851 kilometers.
2. The construction process of the Great Wall.
Site selection and planning: The construction of the Great Wall should first be site selection and planning. The site selection requires the terrain to be dangerous and easy to defend. Factors such as topography and landform should be considered in planning, so that the Great Wall can not only effectively defend against foreign enemies, but also save manpower and material resources.
Material preparation: The materials required for the construction of the Great Wall mainly include bricks, stones, wood, etc. Bricks and stone are often mined nearby, while timber needs to be transported from afar. In order to ensure the quality of the materials, strict inspections were carried out during the construction of the Great Wall.
Construction technology: The construction technology of the Great Wall mainly includes earthwork, stone masonry, brickwork, etc. These techniques require a high level of craftsmanship and meticulous operation. During the construction process, the drawings and specifications should be strictly followed to ensure the quality of the project.
Construction of military facilities: The military facilities built on the Great Wall mainly include beacon towers, enemy towers, passes, etc. These facilities are an important part of the Great Wall's defense system, requiring a strategic location and a solid structure.
3. Changes in the Great Wall.
Natural factors: The Great Wall has been affected by natural factors such as weathering and erosion throughout its long history. As a result, part of the Great Wall was destroyed and gradually disappeared.
The Human Factor: The Great Wall has been damaged by many wars throughout its history. In addition, some areas along the Great Wall were developed in peacetime, which also had an impact on the Great Wall.
Protection and restoration: In recent years, China has attached great importance to the protection and repair of the Great Wall. Through the reinforcement, restoration, protection and other measures of the Great Wall, the Great Wall has been well preserved. At the same time, the Great Wall has also been listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site and has attracted the attention of the international community.
Conclusion: The Great Wall is a military defense project in ancient China, which has a long history of construction and has been expanded and strengthened by many dynasties. The construction of the Great Wall reflects the superb skills and rigorous style of ancient Chinese craftsmen, and also shows the wisdom and courage of the Chinese nation. In the long course of history, the Great Wall has witnessed the rise and fall of China and has become an important symbol of the Chinese nation. Today, the Great Wall has become a great building with multiple values such as history, culture, and tourism, and continues to play its unique role.