The Great Wall of China is made up of a variety of materials over the course of its construction, and there is an evolution in its building techniques.
The earliest sections of the Great Wall were constructed during the Warring States Period (475-221 BCE) using rammed earth. Rammed earth is a technique in which layers of soil are compacted into a solid mass using a tamping tool. This method of construction was relatively cheap and easy, making it a popular choice for the builders of the Great Wall. However, rammed-earth walls are vulnerable to erosion and weathering, which meant that these early sections of the wall required frequent maintenance and rebuilding.
During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), the construction of the Great Wall was greatly expanded, and the builders began to use brick and stone in addition to rammed earth. The bricks used in the construction of the Great Wall were made from local materials such as clay and were fired in kilns to make them hard and durable. These bricks were then used to create a facing for the rammed earth walls, which increased their stability and made them more resistant to erosion.
The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) continued to expand the Great Wall, using a mix of rammed earth, brick, and stone. They also introduced the use of tamped earth reinforced with layers of straw, reeds, and rocks to increase the strength of the wall. This technique involved mixing soil with organic materials and then compacting it to create a solid mass. The layers of straw and reeds helped to reinforce the wall and prevent it from collapsing under its own weight.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), the Great Wall was extensively rebuilt and renovated using brick and stone. The Ming builders used a combination of fired bricks and large stones to create a sturdy and durable wall. They also introduced features such as watchtowers and beacon towers, which were built at regular intervals along the wall to provide lookout points and communication centers.
Other facts about the Great Wall
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