One of the greatest man-made creations, ever created by humanity, is rightly considered the Great Wall of China.This is a truly magnificent building from time immemorial, it has become a symbol of the Celestial Empire, and at all times attracts many tourists.History of the Great Wall starts from the far the V century BC, when the Chinese ruler Qin Shi Huangdi, began construction of the first city walls as a defense, during the "Warring States".They were north of modern buildings and almost did not survive to our times.That strengthening of which is known to us all, it was built during the reign of the Chinese imperial Ming Dynasty.
continued construction of the wall during the reign of four dynasties:
- Qin (208 g d. AD);
- Han (I century BC);
- 10 Kingdoms and 5 Dynasties (1138-1198 gg.);
- Hun and the emperor until the reign of the Wanli of the imperial Ming Dynasty (before 1620).
In general, the Great Wall of China (the history of its construction) employs about 2,100 years.According to various estimates, its construction involved more than 8 million. Chinese.Moreover, it is worth noting that the building is considered the huge cemetery in the world, because of all the time she became the last refuge for more than three million people.
Its total length - about 6700 km, and taking into account all sorts of branches - 8900 km.The height at various locations about 6-10 meters.The main section of the wall is virtually identical to the border of Inner Mongolia and extends from the eastern city of Shanhaiguan, and ending with the western province of Lop Nur town.
Great Wall was wide enough that it could easily drive a few horse riders, so often it is performed not only a defensive function but also served as a highway.And with smoke signals sentries were notified in the capital of the attack of the enemy troops.
Before using brick as a building material used wood, stone or rammed earth, so initially strengthening is not very strong.During the Ming Dynasty have been used for the construction of bricks and lime and stone.As with bricks began to work much easier, construction began at an accelerated pace.However, the boulders were still much stronger than the above materials so they hewing to a rectangular shape, and laid the foundation, and the outer and inner edge of the wall.The dimensions of some of them up to four meters.For the construction of the wall using three pieces of purple marble.Two of them are located in jiang'an county, and one - in the highlands Baiyangyu.This is the most beautiful and sturdy walls.
Great Wall has a defensive tower forts throughout the building.For each tower, in turn, was a narrow staircase, and the only small gate.On the walls were set teeth, through which soldiers could watch the enemy.Ammunition was stored in a signal tower.For a better view of them were built on mountaintops and other high points in the landscape.However, the main feature was built within sight of each two adjacent tower that allows you to quickly send messages to attack the enemy troops with the help of fire and smoke.Also, there were loopholes in the walls, the height of which was about 30 cm, and width - about 23 cm.
Until 1664 Great Wall of China was virtually insurmountable obstacle for those trying to leave China or get into it.Throughout the design were installed control stations that were closed at night and nobody, not even the emperor had no right to violate this order.The borders of China could not leave without permission.However, after the conquest of the Celestial Empire Manchu need for the wall disappeared.Bricks gradually began to plunder the local peasants, and eventually once the Great Wall of China has come to a complete standstill.
Today the Wall is a list of the objects protected by UNESCO, as well as the "Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages."
