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Was the Great Wall really intended to protect China from invasions, or did it have other purposes?

Samatha Upwood

Well, from my understanding and some research, the Great Wall of China was initially built to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes, particularly the Mongols, during the Qin Dynasty. However, it's not as simple as that.

When the Great Wall was constructed, it was composed of different walls and fortifications that were built and rebuilt over several centuries. In fact, it wasn't until the Ming Dynasty that the wall we see today was constructed. So, given the long period of construction, it's safe to assume that different rulers had different reasons for building and expanding the Great Wall.

Aside from its defensive purpose, the Great Wall also served as a symbol of power and authority. For instance, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, considered the first emperor of China, ordered the construction of the Great Wall and other symbols of power to solidify his rule over the newly unified China. Later dynasties, like the Tang, Liao, and Song, used the wall as a means of asserting their power too.

Additionally, the Great Wall was also used for trade and migration. Its construction allowed for the creation of several border passes, which facilitated the movement of goods and people between China and its neighboring regions. In this sense, the Great Wall played a crucial role in the growth of the Chinese economy.

Interestingly, despite being one of China's most recognizable landmarks and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall's actual length is still up for debate. According to a report by China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage in 2012, the wall's length was confirmed to be 13,170 miles (21,196 km). However, there are many historical, textual, and archaeological sources that suggest the wall could be longer.

In the end, it's safe to say that the Great Wall of China had several purposes over its long history. While it may have been initially constructed as a defensive fortification, its cultural, economic, and political significance cannot be ignored.