GWC

The Great Wall of China, one of the world’s eight wonders, is one of the most famous feats of human architecture in the history of the world. This ancient marvel is not only a great spectacle, but is also significant in the shaping and molding of the China everyone knows today. The Great Wall of China allowed China to possess some of the longest lived governmental structures in the world by providing a means of protection against hostile nomadic groups and other warlike peoples. This allowed the lifespans of the dynasties-- lines of hereditary rulers who rule over a country for a long period of time-- inside the wall to be prolonged. This massive structure is therefore a key part of China’s history, influencing nearly every dynasty that ruled the region, since the rise of the first emperor.

From 1700 to roughly 220 BCE (before the Common Era), the region currently known as China was divided into six states: Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Yan and Zhongshan, each ruled by different kings. These inter-warring states were already familiar with wall building techniques, each having constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. When Shih Huangdi, the young king of the ancient Chinese state of Qin (also spelled Ch’in, from which the word China derives), conquered each of the remaining five states in 221 BCE, the continuous warring finally came to an end. By conquering these states, Shih Huangdi established the Qin Dynasty, thus creating the first unification of China, and the first Chinese central government. In his efforts to make this new concept of centralized rule “stick”, as well as prevent the reemergence of feudal lords, Shih Huangdi ordered the destruction of the wall sections that divided his empire along the forme...

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...iquity today, having been protected from most “barbarian” outside influences over the centuries.

China still uses the Wall today, as well. The vast structure serves as a popular tourist attraction, thus, stimulating Chinese economy. Throughout its lifetime, the masterpiece repelled invaders such as the Mongols from the empire that would soon be most of China. This protection allowed China to undergo some of the most vital advancements, such as standardization of things like currency, which unified to the six very different cities that this nation is comprised of. This great work of mankind is often overlooked and forgotten, unfortunately. Not too many people know of the influence the Great Wall has had on China. Hopefully one day, all across the globe will know of the incredible good that this ancient marvel has done for one of the world’s most prolonged societies.