https://i.imgur.com/U3a8Oyb.jpg
It is amazing to see that the Great Wall of China served many different purposes throughout its history: it shielded China’s territories; it pushed back invading forces; it united the people; it helped expand territory; it improved the economy; it serves as a symbol of power; it is a cultural icon. Historians, however, are trying to determine a specific reason as to why the Wall was built, whether it was for a political agenda, a tactical advantage, or an expansionist strategy. This creates the question: is there really only one reason? After reading the many posts submitted by my peers, one particular post stood out: Leia writes “one sentence can have two different meanings, depending on how it is read; punctuated one way, it refers to the Great Wall, and punctuated another way, it doesn’t”. This particular statement contends that nothing is as it seems; there may have been a specific reason as to why the Wall was built, there may have not, but does it ultimately matter?
Things I Learned this Week:
- The Great Wall was built from multiple walls
- Emperor Qin ordered them to be merged together to create one great wall; he took all credit for its creation
- Despite it being mainly stationary, the Great Wall actually helped expand China’s territories
Bibliography
Bruce G. Doar. “The Rehabilitation –and Appropriation– of Great Wall Mythology”. China Heritage Quarterly, 7 (Sept. 2006).
di Cosmo, Nicola. Ancient China and Its Enemies: The Rise of Nomadic Power in East Asian History. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Waldron, Arthur. The Great Wall of China: From History to Myth. Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature, and Institutions. Cambridge England: Cambridge University Press, 1990.
