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Great Wall of the Han Dynasty. (慕尼黑啤酒 / CC by SA 3.0)

Lost to Time: The Han Dynasty's Forgotten Great Wall (Video)

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The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable structures in human history. Built over thousands of years, it is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of ancient civilizations. While most people are familiar with the famous Ming Dynasty wall, there is an earlier, lesser-known section of the wall built by the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. This ancient stretch of the Great Wall, discovered in the harsh Kumtag Desert, is made of rammed earth with a reed foundation, an ingenious way of building that allowed for stability in the desert's loose sand and gravel.

The discovery of bronze and iron arrowheads from the Han Dynasty adds to the historical significance of this section of the wall, revealing a glimpse into the military tactics of ancient China. Although battered by desert winds for over two millennia, the ruins of the ancient wall still stand as a reminder of the impressive engineering capabilities of the Han Dynasty. The Great Wall of China is not just a symbol of China's strength and resilience, but a testament to the human spirit of innovation and creativity

Top image: Great Wall of the Han Dynasty. (慕尼黑啤酒 / CC by SA 3.0)

By Robbie Mitchell

 
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Robbie

I’m a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, I’ve been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. I spend my days working as a freelance... Read More

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