Unveiling the Timeline- Was the Great Wall of China Constructed Before the Era of Christ-
Was the Great Wall of China Built Before Christ?
The Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic symbols of ancient China, has long been a subject of fascination and debate. One of the most frequently asked questions about this magnificent structure is whether it was built before Christ. The answer to this question lies in the historical records and archaeological evidence that have been uncovered over the years.
The construction of the Great Wall began as early as the 7th century BC, during the Warring States period. At that time, various states in China were engaged in fierce battles, and the walls were built to protect their territories from invasions by neighboring states. The walls were initially built independently by each state, but over time, they were connected and expanded to form the Great Wall we see today.
The first unification of China under the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) marked the beginning of a concerted effort to connect and strengthen the walls. Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, ordered the construction of a massive defensive wall that would protect his empire from the north. This initial wall was the foundation of the Great Wall that would later be expanded and reinforced by subsequent dynasties.
The construction of the Great Wall continued throughout the following dynasties, with the Han, Ming, and other dynasties making significant contributions to its expansion and improvement. The Great Wall reached its current length of approximately 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers) during the Ming Dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1644 AD.
Therefore, based on historical evidence, it is clear that the Great Wall of China was indeed built before Christ. The initial construction began in the 7th century BC, and the final form of the Great Wall was completed well before the birth of Christ in 4 BC. The Great Wall’s construction and maintenance spanned over two millennia, making it one of the most enduring symbols of Chinese history and culture.