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When was the Great Wall of China built?

Construction of the Great Wall of China was begun during the third century B.C. by Emperor Shih Huang-ti (c. 259–210 B.C.) of the Ch'in dynasty (family of rulers). The immense structure was built as a protective barricade against invasion and was expanded over many centuries. The wall now stretches 1,500 miles, ranging in heights between 20 and 50 feet (6.1 and 15 meters), and is 15 to 25 feet (4.6 to 7.6 meters) thick. Guard stations and watchtowers are placed at regular intervals, but successive invasions of China from the north have proved the wall to be fairly ineffectual. Since 1949 a section of the wall in North Peking has been reconstructed and opened to visitors.

Further Information: Fisher, Leonard Everett. The Great Wall of China. New York: Macmillan, 1986; Great Wall of China. [Online] Available

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