By Jasreet Kaur04, Apr 2025 12:20 PMjagranjosh.com
Do you know?
The Great Wall is a massive. It's historic structure is made with various materials over centuries by labourers. Tap to read in detail.
Made of Multiple Walls
The Great Wall is not a single continuous wall but consists of multiple walls built by different dynasties over the centuries for defence. It was expanded and rebuilt over time as the need for protection grew.
Its Length is Massive
The total length of the Great Wall is approximately 21,196 kilometres (13,171 miles), making it one of the longest man-made structures in the world. This vast stretch is equivalent to half the circumference of the Earth.
Built Using Local Materials
The wall was constructed using a variety of materials depending on the region, including wood, earth and stone. Some areas even used bricks. This allowed the builders to work with the resources available in each area.
Constructed by Forced Labour
The construction of the wall relied heavily on forced labour, with soldiers, peasants and prisoners working under difficult conditions. Many workers lost their lives during the construction process due to harsh conditions.
Sections Have Been Damaged Over Time
Many parts of the Great Wall have been damaged due to natural weathering, human activity, and urban development. Restoration efforts are ongoing to preserve the most famous parts of the wall.
More Than 1,000 Watchtowers
Over 1,000 watchtowers were constructed along the wall, allowing soldiers to spot invaders and send signals using smoke or fire. These towers were essential for communication and defence strategies.