The Great Wall of China reputed as one of the greatest wonders of the world, not only for its long history. But, its massive construction size and its unique architectural style as well. The Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6700 km (4,163 miles). It stretches from east to west of China which starts from Shanghai passing through on the Bohai Sea in the east, at the limit between "China Proper" and Manchuria, to Lop Nor in the South Eastern portion of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Along Most of its arc, it's roughly definite the border between North China and inner Mongolia.
Location of The Great Wall
Originally, the wall begins with an independent wall where it was built along the states border by those each individuals states. When Qin Shi Huang conquered all opposing states and unified China in 221 B.C., establishing the Qin Dynasty, he ordered to link up all separated regional built by his rivals as a great defense project to ward off the harassment by the Huns. The walls that were linked together at this time consisted of rammed earth with watch towers built at regular intervals. When it was finished, the total length of the wall exceeds 5000 km! Can you imagine how far was it?
The construction of the Great Wall had never ceased for nearly all the Chinese feudal Dynasties. The smaller and less powerful Dynasties also spent a lot on the Great Wall.
It was during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that the wall took on its present form. The brick and granite work was enlarged and sophisticated designs were added. The Watch Towers were redesigned and modern canon were mounted in strategic area.
Pictures of the Watch Towers
The architectural style of the Great Wall is a wonder in the history of the world of constructions. What is present today on the architecture of the Great Wall is mostly from the Ming dynasty with an average height of 10 metres and a width of 5 metres.
The mystery of the construction of the wall is the material. It was amazing to know that the materials used to build the wall is mainly from the materials available near the wall itself. But, before the use of bricks the Great Wall was mainly built from limestone block. In some areas, a mixture of sticky rice and egg whites were used to cement the blocks. In the western part, where materials are difficult to find, the wall was constructed with dirt rammed between rough wood tied together with woven mats.
Not until the Ming Dynasty where bricks were heavily used to build the wall. The size and the weight of the bricks made them easier to work and build the walls rather than using the Earth materials such as woods and stones.
Done By: Hadi (Wonders crew)