The Great Wall of China was built by multiple dynasties over more than two millennia. The earliest walls were constructed by various states during the Spring and Autumn (770–476 BC) and Warring States periods (475–221 BC) to defend their territories. When Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, came to power in 221 BC, he connected and extended these separate walls into a single defensive barrier to protect against northern nomadic tribes. This initial wall was mainly made of rammed earth and built using forced labor including soldiers, common people, and criminals
. Subsequent dynasties such as the Han (202 BC–220 AD), Northern Qi (550–577), Sui (581–618), and particularly the Ming (1368–1644) rebuilt, extended, and fortified the wall. The Ming dynasty is responsible for much of the stone and brick construction that survives today, including many of the best-known sections and watchtowers. The Ming rebuilt the wall as a symbol of Chinese power and to defend against Mongol invasions, taking about 200 years to complete their work
. In summary:
- Early walls built by various states before unification
- Qin Shi Huang unified and extended the wall around 221 BC
- Han, Northern Qi, Sui, and other dynasties rebuilt and extended it
- Ming dynasty built the most famous stone and brick sections still visible today
The labor force included soldiers, commoners, and criminals, often under harsh conditions
. The Great Wall as seen today largely reflects the Ming dynasty's construction efforts.
