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Who were some notable figures in the history of the Great Wall of China and how did they contribute?

Kandi Vaissiere

Hey there! Welcome to my post about the Great Wall of China. Today, we’re diving into some of the notable figures who played a major role in the construction and preservation of this iconic structure.

First up, we have Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who ruled China from 221-206 BC. He is largely credited with the initial construction of the Great Wall, which at the time was made of compacted earth and served as a barrier against rampaging nomads. The emperor conscripted over one million workers to build the wall, and his ambitious project cost the lives of tens of thousands of laborers. It’s safe to say that this early iteration of the Great Wall would not have been possible without his iron-fisted leadership.

Next, we have the Great Wall’s most recognized patron, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. He is credited with the first major expansion of the wall in 111 BC, and he added watchtowers and beacon towers to enhance the wall’s defensive capabilities. It’s also said that he ordered the creation of a special military force, the Wall Protection Troops, to man the Great Wall and keep watch for incoming threats. Emperor Wu remained committed to the Great Wall throughout his long reign, and his efforts greatly solidified China’s northern borders.

Moving along, we have what’s possibly the quirkiest figure on our list: General Xu Da. Why quirky? Well, he’s said to have encouraged his troops to wear straw sandals while marching on the Great Wall, in order to make it appear as if there were more soldiers manning the wall than there actually were. Whether or not this tactic was truly effective, General Xu Da established a strong reputation as a military strategist and played a significant role in defeating the Mongols in the 14th century.

Last but not least, we have the most recent of our notable figures, namely Mao Zedong. Yes, that Mao Zedong - the founder of China’s Communist Party. While Mao didn’t contribute to the Great Wall’s construction or military defense, he recognized its enormous cultural significance and led efforts to preserve the wall for future generations. During his time in power, Mao oversaw the creation of the Badaling Great Wall Park, which became a popular site for tourism and education. Mao famously said, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”, which is a testament to his deep appreciation for China’s cultural history.

And there you have it, folks! A brief overview of just a few of the notable figures in the history of the Great Wall of China. Despite their varied contributions, one thing is certain: they all left their mark on one of the world’s most fascinating and enduring structures. I hope this post has piqued your interest in the Great Wall, and perhaps even inspired you to plan a trip to see it for yourself!