A Fact A Day # 4

We have all heard of the Great Wall of China. Here are 3 important facts about the Great Wall, which is the only structure that is visible on the Earth from outer space:

1.The most comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has recently concluded that the entire Great Wall, with all of its branches, stretches for 8,851.8 km (5,500.3 mi). This is made up of 6,259.6 km (3,889.5 mi) of sections of actual wall, 359.7 km (223.5 mi) of trenches and 2,232.5 km (1,387.2 mi) of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers.

2.Qin Shi Huang conquered all opposing states and unified China in 221 BC, establishing the Qin Dynasty.To protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire's new northern frontier. Later, the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin dynasties all repaired, rebuilt or expanded sections of the Great Wall at great cost to defend themselves against Northern or Southern invaders.

3. The purpose of the Great Wall of China which is the monumental fortification separating China from Mongolia, was not especially to keep out the Huns from the north. The Huns could easily find places along the stretch that they could scale with ladders. But they couldn't get their horses across. Without their horses, they weren't very effective warriors.

Note: According to me, these are the 3 most important facts since there are hundreds of facts about the Great wall, and the facts posted here cover only the important aspects like the builder, the geography and the purpose of the structure.