History of the Great Wall of China is a matter of national pride and power to the Chinese. The 6200 km structure is a marvel of engineering and has survived the ravages of time, water, wind and man to still be standing tall and strong after 2000 years. Although the history of the Great Wall of China starts with emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty, yet he wasn't the only one to build fortification to keep out the enemy. History of the Great Wall of China notes several generations and several successive dynasties of emperors building, repairing, and extending the existing walls.
The Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC started the building of the great wall. These walls were made largely by squashing earth and gravel between board frames, to withstand the attack of side arms such as swords and spears. No historical records survive indicating the actual length and directions of the Qin Dynasty walls in the history of the Great wall of China.
Centuries of erosion have left very few sections of the ancient walls standing today. Subsequently, the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin dynasties all expanded sections of the Great Wall at heavy price to protect themselves against northern invaders.
The new strategy was adopted by the Ming to keep the Mongols out by erecting walls along the northern border of China. They revived the great wall concept and made the fortifications considerably stronger. This stone faced brick wall along with the newer defensive technologies like two edged iron swords and cross bows and above all gunpowder allowed the Ming to keep their enemies out of their land.
It was under the Manchu speaking Qing rulers that Mongolia was annexed and the repair and extension of the wall was discontinued.
The wall stands today as a symbol of the endurance of the human spirit and Chinese national identity.
