ClassX Video Lessons What makes the Great Wall of China so extraordinary – Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen
Stretching over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. This monumental structure, winding through the Chinese countryside, boasts a history as intricate as its serpentine path. Originally conceived as separate walls by feudal states during the Chunqiu period, these barriers were designed to fend off nomadic raiders from the north.
In 221 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified these states, creating a formidable empire bordered by natural barriers like the Tibetan Plateau and the Pacific Ocean. However, the northern mountains remained vulnerable to invasions by Mongol, Turkish, and Xiongnu forces. To protect his empire, the Emperor expanded and connected these smaller walls, forming what became known as The Long Wall. This massive undertaking involved soldiers and commoners, many of whom were conscripted against their will. The Qin Dynasty’s construction efforts were continued by the Han Dynasty, extending the wall to 3,700 miles from Dunhuang to the Bohai Sea.
The construction of the Great Wall was notorious for the suffering it caused. Many laborers, including conscripted peasants and criminals, endured harsh conditions, leading to numerous deaths from accidents, hunger, and exhaustion. Despite its formidable presence, the wall was not impenetrable. In the 13th century, both Genghis Khan and his son Khublai Khan managed to breach it during the Mongol invasions.
After the Ming dynasty took control in 1368, they reinforced the wall with bricks and stones, creating a structure that averaged 23 feet in height and 21 feet in width, stretching 5,500 miles. Watchtowers were strategically placed along the wall, allowing for fire and smoke signals to alert reinforcements of approaching raiders. Despite these improvements, the wall could not prevent the Manchu clans from overthrowing the Ming in 1644, leading to the establishment of the Qing dynasty.
With the Qing dynasty’s expansion beyond the Great Wall, its defensive purpose diminished, leading to neglect and disrepair. During World War II, sections of the wall were repurposed for defense against Japanese invasion. Today, the Great Wall serves primarily as a cultural symbol, attracting millions of tourists each year. This influx has led to deterioration, prompting preservation efforts by the Chinese government.
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye. While it can be discerned from low Earth orbit, it is not distinguishable from the moon. Nonetheless, the wall remains a subject of study, with new sections being discovered periodically, further expanding this remarkable monument to human achievement.
In 1987, the Great Wall was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, solidifying its place as one of the largest man-made structures on Earth. Originally built to keep people out, it now welcomes visitors from around the globe, standing as a testament to China’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Create a timeline of the Great Wall of China’s history. Include key events such as the initial construction during the Chunqiu period, the unification by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the expansions by the Han Dynasty, the reinforcements by the Ming Dynasty, and its role during World War II. Use images and brief descriptions to make your timeline visually appealing and informative.
Participate in a role-playing debate where you take on the roles of different historical figures involved in the construction of the Great Wall, such as Emperor Qin Shi Huang, a conscripted laborer, a Ming Dynasty soldier, and a Mongol invader. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the wall from each perspective.
Work in groups to build a small-scale model of the Great Wall using materials like cardboard, clay, or LEGO bricks. Include features such as watchtowers, signal fires, and different sections of the wall. Present your model to the class, explaining the significance of each feature and how it contributed to the wall’s defensive capabilities.
Research a specific aspect of the Great Wall, such as its construction techniques, the daily life of the laborers, or its role in modern times. Create a multimedia presentation using slides, videos, and images to share your findings with the class. Be sure to include interesting facts and recent discoveries about the wall.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of someone involved in the Great Wall’s history. You could be a laborer during the Qin Dynasty, a soldier during the Ming Dynasty, or a tourist visiting the wall today. Describe your experiences, challenges, and thoughts about the wall’s significance.
wall – A tall structure that divides or protects an area. – The Great Wall of China was built to protect the empire from invaders.
china – A country in East Asia known for its rich history and culture. – China has one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a history that spans thousands of years.
history – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past events shape our present and future.
dynasty – A series of rulers from the same family or lineage. – The Ming Dynasty is famous for its trade expansion and cultural achievements in China.
empire – A group of countries or regions that are controlled by a single supreme authority. – The Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history, stretching across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
construction – The process of building something, typically large structures. – The construction of the pyramids in Egypt took thousands of workers and many years to complete.
raiders – People who attack an area to steal or plunder. – Viking raiders traveled across the seas to attack and loot coastal towns in Europe.
culture – The ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. – The culture of ancient Greece included philosophy, art, and the Olympic Games.
heritage – The traditions, achievements, and beliefs that are passed down from previous generations. – Our heritage includes the languages we speak and the festivals we celebrate.
symbol – An object or image that represents something else. – The eagle is a symbol of freedom and strength in many countries around the world.
