Building the Great Wall | National Geographic

Summary

This video explores the magnificence of the Great Wall of China, specifically the Ming Dynasty's section. Built in the 16th century, this monumental structure of baked bricks stretches over 1,200 kilometers through the mountains north of Beijing. Standing 7 meters thick and 20 meters high in parts, it symbolized China's desire for self-sufficiency and protection from northern invaders. The narrative reflects on the wall's architectural prowess, historical significance, and its role as a cultural and military boundary, while questioning its actual military effectiveness.

Takeaways

• 🧱 The Great Wall of China's iconic image comes from the Ming Dynasty's stone structure, known as the 'stone dragon.'
• 🏛️ Built in the 16th century, the wall served a similar purpose as earlier walls, protecting China from northern invaders.
• 🧱 Unlike previous walls made of Earth, the Ming Wall was constructed with baked bricks, making it more durable.
• 📏 The wall is over 7 meters thick at the base, with some sections reaching up to 20 meters in height.
• 🌄 The Great Wall stretches over 1,200 kilometers, following the natural line of mountains and plunging into deep ravines.
• 😲 Visitors are often left speechless by the wall's architectural grandeur and the audacity of its builders.
• ⚔️ There is some debate about the wall's military effectiveness, but it was a clear message of China’s frontier and self-sufficiency.
• 🌍 The wall marked the boundary between China and the outside 'alien' world, symbolizing the desire for cultural isolation.
• 📜 China's history of wall-building spans many dynasties, with some historians estimating a total wall length of 25,000 kilometers.
• 🌬️ Over time, wind and rain have worn down many older earthen walls, which now blend into the natural landscape as relics.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall?

The Ming Dynasty's Great Wall was built in the 16th century to protect the Middle Kingdom from northern barbarians, marking it as a major defensive structure in Chinese history.

What distinguishes the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall from earlier walls like the Han walls?

Unlike the Han walls made of earth, the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall was constructed from baked bricks, making it a more durable and massive structure.

How large is the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall in terms of its dimensions?

The wall is more than 7 meters thick at the base, reaches heights of up to 20 meters, and stretches over 1,200 kilometers through the mountains north of Beijing.

How does the Great Wall follow the natural landscape of the region?

The Great Wall curves along the natural line of mountain peaks, reaching high altitudes and descending into deep ravines, blending with the landscape.

What reaction do visitors typically have when seeing the Great Wall?

Visitors are often left speechless by the architectural masterpiece, admiring both the audacity of its builders and the monumental scale of the wall.

What were some doubts raised about the Great Wall's military effectiveness?

While it served as a formidable barrier, some people questioned the real military effectiveness of the Great Wall despite its imposing presence.

What symbolic message did the Great Wall convey?

The Great Wall symbolized the frontier of the Chinese world, marking the boundary where the Middle Kingdom ended, and the alien world began.

How does the Great Wall reflect the self-sufficient nature of Chinese culture?

The wall represents a culture that sought self-sufficiency, protecting itself from external threats and emphasizing its independence from outside influences.

What does the script suggest about the history of wall-building in China?

Almost every dynasty in China built its own wall, and collectively, these walls could stretch over 25,000 kilometers. Many parts of these walls are yet to be discovered.

How have the elements affected the older sections of the Great Wall?

Over time, the wind and rain have eroded many older sections made of packed earth, causing the walls to blend into the landscape and leaving behind only ruins and remnants.