World Wonders Weekly - Instalment 1: The Great Wall of China

WORLD WONDERS WEEKLY :

Instalment 1:

The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall Of China is a well known monument found in the Huariou District, North China stretching over 21,000 kilometres (13000 Miles). This amazing marvel of ancient engineering is still standing as we speak, yet being built over 2,700 years ago.

Who Built the Great Wall of China?

Early Kingdoms (Before 221 BC)

Small independent kingdoms like Qi, Yan, and Zhao built their own walls to defend against enemies.

These were mud and stone walls, not yet one big wall.

 

Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

Emperor Qin Shi Huang (China’s first emperor) ordered the unification of the walls.

Hundreds of thousands of workers built the wall, including:

• Soldiers

• Peasants (farmers)

• Slaves

• Prisoners

Many died due to hard work, accidents, and harsh weather. The wall is sometimes called the "longest graveyard" in the world.

Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD)

During the Han Dynasty, the wall was extended west to protect the Silk Road trade routes.

Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD)

Amid the time of the Ming Dynasty, the wall was again built and strengthened using bricks, stone, and tiles.

They also added watchtowers, forts, and beacons.

Cool words:

Dynasty: A series of rulers from the same   

                family, usually over a long period of     

                time

Beacon: A beacon is a bright light (often on a

               tower or hill) used to signal, warn, or 

               guide people — especially in the 

               dark or across long distances.

     Examples:

• A lighthouse is a beacon for ships.
  
  

• Fire beacons were once used to warn of enemy attacks.
  
  

Unification: The act of joining together to become one.

   

From ancient battles to modern wonders, the Great Wall continues to amaze. Built over centuries by countless hands, it has witnessed dynasties rise and fall, and it still stands as a symbol of strength and unity. But what secrets still lie hidden within its stones — stories of struggle, mystery, or forgotten lives waiting to be uncovered?

Got thoughts or questions? Let us know by leaving a comment at AIVEMTS How-to or Pirates of the World! Stay tuned for Instalment 2!