How Long Did it Take to Build the Great Wall of China

April 18, 2023 Add Comment

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic structures, and a symbol of China’s ancient history. It is over 6,000 km long, and stretches across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus. It is no wonder that it has taken many centuries to build this immense structure. This article will discuss the timeline of construction for the Great Wall of China.

Building the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built over several centuries. Construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century BCE by the Western Zhou Dynasty. It was then extended and enhanced by the Qin Dynasty, who unified China in 221 BCE. The Qin Dynasty also built the first parts of the wall that used fired bricks and stones.

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) also contributed to the building of the Great Wall. During this period, the wall was further extended and reinforced with watchtowers, and the government also established a system of military colonies along the wall.

The Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) was the last dynasty to build the Great Wall of China. During this period, the wall was rebuilt and strengthened with bricks and stones.

Timeline of Construction

The timeline of construction for the Great Wall of China can be divided into four main periods:

  • The Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 771 BCE): The Western Zhou Dynasty began construction of the Great Wall, and built the first sections using earth and stones.

  • The Qin Dynasty (221 – 206 BCE): The Qin Dynasty unified China and extended the wall further. They also built the first sections of the wall that used fired bricks and stones.

  • The Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE): The Han Dynasty further extended and reinforced the wall with watchtowers, and also established a system of military colonies along the wall.

  • The Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644): The Ming Dynasty was the last dynasty to build the Great Wall of China. During this period, the wall was rebuilt and strengthened with bricks and stones.

The Great Wall of China is an impressive structure that has taken centuries to build. Its construction has been a long and complex process, with the contributions of four different dynasties. Today, the Great Wall stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Chinese people, and continues to be a symbol of China’s ancient history.