The Great Wall of China
Natalie Stewart
1The Great Wall of China isn’t just the world’s largest military structure; it’s also a fascinating architectural masterpiece. The wall that once protected the country from invading forces is now one of China’s most popular tourist attractions, as well as a significant historical landmark.
2When people think about this monument, most imagine a long wall snaking its way across the country. The Great Wall, however, is not a continuous structure, but rather a large network of several walls and towers constructed over hundreds of years. Work on the first portion began during the Qin Dynasty in 221 B.C. At this time, several independent kingdoms united to form a larger nation.
3The original purpose of the Great Wall was to prevent foreign invaders from breaching Chinese boundaries. Nomadic warriors often stole crops and animals from peasants living near the northern border. Sometimes they would capture Chinese citizens and force them into slavery. Soldiers stationed along the wall spotted potential dangers, allowing people to find shelter or prepare for battle. Over time, other rulers added new sections to protect valuable trade routes like the famous Silk Road. Construction on the newer parts of the wall was completed under the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s. Though most of the current wall is just a few hundred years old, experts estimate that older portions are more than 1,700 years old.
4Many materials were used and many workers were employed in the construction of the Great Wall. Bricks eventually replaced the mud, sticks, and stones used during the first phases. Hundreds of thousands of people were involved in the wall’s creation. After enlisting the help of soldiers and peasants, emperors forced prisoners to work on the wall as punishment for their crimes. The wall’s construction affected every Chinese citizen. Farmers grew extra food and provided workers with housing. Rulers increased taxes to help pay for expensive building materials.
5From west to east, the Great Wall spans nearly 4,000 miles across China. It runs throughout five provinces and covers a range of landscapes that includes mountains, plateaus, and deserts. The wall is approximately twenty-five feet tall from bottom to top. Its towers reach a height of about forty feet. Rumors that the Great Wall is visible from outer space persisted for several decades, but astronauts orbiting Earth on board the International Space Station have discredited this myth. They claim that you cannot see the wall with the naked eye. Scientists can confirm that certain satellites are able to photograph portions of the wall, though.
6Time has taken its toll on the Great Wall, and many portions have crumpled with age. Peasants stole bricks from the wall to build new homes, and governments knocked down sections to build new roads. The Chinese government is working to preserve the Great Wall. Under new laws, it’s illegal to take bricks or make holes in the wall. The United Nations named the Great Wall a World Heritage Site in 1987, providing this important site with international support.
In section one of this passage, the word landmark means
Responses
A institution.institution.
B monument.monument.
C stadium.stadium.
D terminal.terminal.