The Great Wall of China stands today as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Stretching over thousands of miles across rugged terrain, this architectural marvel has captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries.
But how was this wall built? Who built it and how long did it take?
When Was It Built?
Before we get into when the Great Wall was built, we need to understand why it was built.
The idea of wall building started quite early in China. The various states in China had been separate warring factions, each trying to gain control over the others. It was common practice for these states to build walls to protect themselves from each other.
One of the early walls built in China dates to about 450 BC. At that time the Kingdom of Qi, in northeast China, needed the wall to help prevent neighboring state, Lu, from attacking. Other walls were not built for another 100 years.
The idea of building walls for protection seemed to catch on, and soon the kingdoms in the north of China were building walls to keep out the northern nomads.
They were pastoral nomads, the Xiongnu or Huns, who made their living by moving their animals to and from fresh pastures. This was contrary to the settled agricultural lifestyle of the Chinese.
Construction of the Great Wall began as early as the 7th century BC and continued for centuries, with various dynasties contributing to its expansion and fortification. While the wall we see today is often associated with the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), its origins trace back to earlier periods.
The Great Wall begins in the east at Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province to the west. Its main body consists of walls, horse tracks, watch towers, with shelters on the wall, and includes fortresses and passes along the Wall.
How Long Did It Take?
There are many theories around the duration of the build, however, online forum, China Highlights said, “Like Rome, the Great Wall of China wasn’t built in a day. Its construction lasted over 2,300 years.”
The wall is also 21,189 kilometers (about 13166.23 miles) in length.
If we bring mathematics into the equation and estimate that a generation is around 25 to 30 years, it follows that it took 92 generations to build the Great Wall.
The reason it took this long is because different sections of the Great Wall were being built, destroyed, and renovated by nine different dynasties.
Materials Used to Build the Great Wall
The building materials for the Great Wall varied, depending on the region and the era in which construction took place.
Initially, workers used whatever local materials were available, such as tamped earth, wood, and stone. However, as the need for a more durable and formidable barrier arose, bricks and granite blocks became the primary building materials.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Great Wall’s construction was the sheer manpower involved. Millions of laborers, including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners of war, toiled under harsh conditions to erect this colossal structure. It’s estimated that at its peak, during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), over a million workers were involved in its construction.
The building process itself was a monumental feat of engineering. The wall had to traverse diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and plains, presenting immense challenges to the builders. To overcome these obstacles, engineers employed various construction techniques, including the use of rammed earth, brickwork, and stone masonry.
Rammed earth, a technique where layers of earth are compacted tightly together, was commonly used in the early stages of construction. This method allowed for quick and efficient building, especially in areas where stone resources were scarce. As the wall evolved, bricks and stones became the primary building materials, offering greater strength and durability.
In addition to its physical construction, the Great Wall required sophisticated planning and organization. Military strategists played a crucial role in determining the wall’s route, ensuring it provided maximum defense against potential invaders. Watchtowers, beacon towers, and fortresses were strategically placed along the wall to provide lookout points and defensive positions.
Types of Engineering Techniques Used to Build the Wall
The construction of the Great Wall of China involved a combination of engineering techniques and fields. Here are some:
- Civil Engineering: The Great Wall required extensive civil engineering expertise for designing and constructing the massive fortifications, walls, and watchtowers. Civil engineers would have been responsible for planning the layout of the wall, calculating dimensions, and ensuring structural stability.
- Military Engineering: The primary purpose of the Great Wall was defense, so military engineering principles were crucial. Engineers had to design the wall to withstand attacks from invaders and to facilitate the movement of troops along its length. They would have implemented strategic features such as battlements, towers, and gates.
- Materials Engineering: Selecting suitable materials for construction was essential. The wall was predominantly built using locally available materials such as stones, bricks, earth, and wood. Engineers would have determined the best materials to use based on factors like durability, availability, and strength.
- Geotechnical Engineering: Given the diverse terrain the Great Wall traverses, geotechnical considerations were significant. Engineers had to assess the stability of the ground, address issues like soil erosion, and implement appropriate techniques to ensure the wall’s foundation remained secure.
- Surveying and Mapping: Accurate surveying and mapping techniques were essential for planning the route of the wall across vast distances and varied landscapes. Engineers likely used rudimentary tools such as compasses, plumb lines, and measuring rods to map out the wall’s course.
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Building the Great Wall required the coordination of vast resources and manpower over long distances. Engineers would have been involved in organizing logistics, including sourcing materials, transporting them to construction sites, and managing labor teams.
- Hydraulic Engineering: In some sections, the Great Wall incorporated water management systems such as moats and reservoirs. Engineers would have designed these features to control water flow, provide a water supply for garrisons, and enhance defensive capabilities.
“The Great Wall is a masterpiece of masonry and one of the oldest civil infrastructures highlighting the civilization of ancient China. The great wall’s construction was labor intensive and lasted from about 770 BC until around AD1500. Some very smart techniques, many of which, have been lost, were utilized during the construction,” said Engineering Institute of Technology Civil Lecturer, Dr. Shasha Wang.
The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental engineering achievement that drew upon a diverse range of technical expertise and disciplines. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Chinese engineers and laborers.
Despite the tremendous effort invested in its construction, the Great Wall was not impervious to attacks. Throughout its history it faced numerous invasions and incursions from various nomadic tribes and foreign powers. However, the wall’s sheer size and strength deterred many would-be invaders and served as a symbol of China’s resilience and determination to defend its borders.
Today, the Great Wall of China stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its construction remains a remarkable testament to human ambition, endurance, and engineering prowess. As we marvel at its grandeur, we are reminded of the extraordinary achievements that can arise from the collective effort of countless individuals working towards a common goal.
References
When Was the Great Wall of China Built? Over 2,300 Years in 9+ Dynasties
