THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

by Nikos (3G)

The Great wall of China is the longest archaeological structure ever made by humankind. The first walls were built in the 7th century BC in the Chinese state of Chu. In the 3rd century BC, an emperor called Shi Huangdi started joining some of the walls to make a long one.

Why it was built

The Chinese made the wall because they needed protection from invaders. About 800,000 people participated in building it, such as:soldiers, peasants and prisoners. The building is 8,850 km long nowadays, but it used to be much longer. About 1/3 of the original Great wall has disappeared.

Description

The materials used were: stone, soil, sand, brick and sometimes wood. Workers usually carried things on their shoulders or backs. Human chains were also used. The average height is 7 metres. The width goes from 5 to8 metres.

View from space

Many people think that the Great wall of China can be seen from space with the naked eye, but it is not true. People can only see it with special equipment.

Cultural importance

It was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1987.