We know that the modern European civilization takes its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, and they, in turn, learned a lot from the culture of ancient Egypt.What about Asia?What state first arose at the dawn of civilization?Mesopotamia, India and China - the three main crops, which are continuously developed since the time of the Neolithic revolution.It is they who have the most direct impact on other countries.In this article we will talk about ancient China.This mighty civilization consisted of several eras.She had a huge impact on the culture of Japan, Korea and the entire Far East region.What is the same thing Landmark Ancient China?Learn if you read this article until the end.
Chinese objects from the list of UNESCO
If we talk about the architecture, in the country there are numerous monuments of ancient and medieval samples.Many of them occupy a worthy place in the prestigious catalog of the world cultural heritage of mankind.It should be said that not all countries can boast of so many of the objects included in the UNESCO list.There's a single architectural structures of ancient China, such as the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace in Beijing, the complexes - such as the Palace Museum in Beijing, the old house on the southern outskirts of Anhui Province, the largest square in the world - Tiananmen.But the list also hit entire cities like Lijiang (Yunnan).Temples, parks, palaces, ordinary houses and even the graves are very original.They are united by a common aesthetic aspiration, a certain idea, originating in the worldview and religion of this great nation.They are graceful and majestic at the same time dynamic and solemn.But the most famous building of ancient China - is, of course, the Great Wall of China.
seventh wonder of the world
What is the biggest monument of ancient architecture?A chain of fortifications stretching is so massive that the mere mention of its length resulting in awe.More than eight thousand eight hundred and fifty kilometers, consisting of towers and walls, stretched across the North China.Defensive redoubts rather impressive.The most famous building of ancient China - "The Great Wall of ten thousand li" - has a width from five to six and a half meters, and height - 6-10 m. After a certain distance it installed on watch towers, smoke signal towers and casemates,while the aisles were built entire fortress.In the ancient world of Greece Great Wall already existed.But, for obvious reasons (Alexander the Great came to India only), the Europeans did not know about it.And because it is an epic structure could become one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.But now it has made up for this omission.
Great Wall of China: map
Defensive chain begins with the Liaodong Bay.Further west it passes quite close to Beijing.Since the defense of the capital was of paramount importance, this section of the wall, called Badaling, until the XIX century, maintained in good working condition.The proximity to Beijing and making it the most visited tourist destination - there is an annual forty million people.Most of them - the people of China.After all, even Mao Zedong said, "If you have not visited the Great Wall, you - not Chinese."Further west grand chain of fortifications goes into the Gobi desert.By the way, its length - more than eight thousand kilometers, is assuming numerous branches.And directly from end to end, the Great Wall of China (the card allows you to make calculations) stretched "only" 2 196 km.Also impressive figure, agree.Therefore, in 1987, UNESCO included the facility in its list.
Construction of the Great Wall
The purpose of the construction was simple - to protect itself from barbarians from the north.Antique era did not know any other remedy except as shafts, trenches and walls with towers.The construction of fortifications began in 220 years BC, in the era of "Warring".At the same time it participated in the construction of more than a million people.This figure is incredible.It is one-fifth of China's population at the time.The wall was to protect the "Middle Kingdom" from the nomadic Xiongnu.In time ambitious and cruel ruler Qin Shi Huang-ti construction of the Great Wall has taken gigantic proportions.If earlier it was erected from primitive materials, now began to use stone.Fastening solution served as a rice flour.According to various estimates, have died in the construction of about two million people.This kind of Chinese "Wailing Wall» ..
Effective protection?
in building walls has been invested so much public money donated so many lives, it seemed, she had become a reliable outpost for centuries.However, this did not happen.Subsequent dynasties erected new areas (especially active were built during the Han - ten thousand kilometers), but it has not produced tangible results.The guards at a frightening army, cut off from the rear, just passed enemy troops deep into the country.Those sections of the wall that came to us, - the architecture of medieval China.They were built at a time when the empire suffered from the Mongol invasion.
Myths and Reality
Something like usual, the most famous building is surrounded by ancient Chinese legends and unconfirmed rumors.For example, there is a perception that this wall can be seen from a satellite or spacecraft - it is so big.In fact, the width of the structures of five meters makes this impossible.Although the photographs of NASA, and it is clear - as, indeed, and other buildings.Another myth about the Great Wall of China - though dead from starvation, overwork and disease workers dug directly into the foundation to their bones stronger bonded structure.Studies show that nothing but rice flour, the stones were found.
