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What is the true story behind the construction of the Great Wall?

Mallie Wethers

Well, from what I've heard and read, the Great Wall of China was built over a period of more than two millennia, starting from the 7th century BC and ending in the 17th century AD. It was originally built as a series of smaller walls and fortifications by several different states, with the purpose of protecting their territories from invading nomadic tribes.

The most famous section of the Wall, the one that attracts millions of visitors every year, was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This section stretches for over 13,000 miles across northern China, from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the west.

As for the true story behind the construction of the Great Wall, there are many legends and myths surrounding its origins. One of the most popular is the story of a man named Meng Jiangnu, who lost her husband during the construction of the Wall. According to the legend, she wept so bitterly over his grave that the Wall collapsed, revealing her husband's body. Another legend tells of a mythical creature called the "Great Yu," who is said to have created the Wall by using magic and a giant turtle as a foundation.

However, the truth is that the construction of the Great Wall was a massive undertaking that required the work of millions of laborers over many centuries. Some estimates put the total number of workers at around six million, many of whom were conscripted from the local population.

The laborers who built the Wall came from all walks of life, from soldiers and peasants to prisoners and slaves. They worked under difficult conditions, often in freezing temperatures or scorching heat, and with rudimentary tools and equipment.

Despite the enormity of the task, the Wall was never completely effective in protecting China from invasion. Although it served as a deterrent to some extent, it was breached several times over the centuries by invading armies. In fact, one of the most famous breaches occurred in 1644, when a Ming general named Wu Sangui opened the gates of the Wall to the invading Manchu forces, effectively ending the Ming Dynasty.

Despite its shortcomings, the Great Wall remains one of the most impressive feats of engineering and construction in human history. Its size and grandeur continue to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world, and its legacy lives on as a symbol of Chinese power and resilience.