English

Overview
The Great Wall of China started to form long ago in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. At that time, China was broken up into different states. The head of each state had to protect the land by building fortifications. When China was united by Shi Huangdi, the walls were linked up. This practice continued throughout Chinese history, when the Wall needed to be extended. But the ruthless Emperors usually made their subjects do the work.

Making Use of the Great Wall
The Great Wall was important as it prevented Mongolians and other tribes in the North from disturbing the territory. Soldiers were posted there, and if enemies were found coming, hay or animals' droppings would be burnt as a signal.

As the Great Wall was far from civilization, life there was tough.
(To be continued...)