But have you ever thought that this ancient giant structure has actually had a great impact on European history?
The words of the American experts make us have to re-examine the historical value and practical role of the Great Wall.
Is the Great Wall a hero of history or a creator of tragedy? Let's explore the untold story behind this great building.
When we think of the Great Wall, the first thing that comes to our minds may be the majestic barrier that Qin Shi Huang ordered to build after unifying the Six Kingdoms.
Before the Qin Dynasty, several countries built bits and pieces of the Great Wall to defend against the nomads from the north. These nomadic peoples, such as the Xiongnu and Turks, have long been a threat to the existence of the Central Plains Dynasty.
The construction of the Great Wall was not only a defensive tool to ensure that the agricultural area was not intruded, but also a political and military strategic deployment.
He not only strengthened the defense function of the Great Wall, but also achieved stability on the frontier by setting up border markets and conducting economic and cultural exchanges with these ethnic groups. At this time, the Great Wall is not only a line of defense, but also a symbol of tolerance and communication.
When the Great Wall effectively blocked the route of the nomads' southward invasion, these blocked forces began to migrate westward, with profound implications for the course of European history.
Their westward migration triggered the so-called "Great Migration of Nations", which not only changed the ethnic structure of Europe, but also accelerated the decline of the Roman Empire.
At that time, the height of the Great Wall was generally about 10 meters, and there was a beacon tower used to transmit military information, showing the highly developed military communication and defense system of ancient China.
Historically, no matter how strong the Great Wall was, it could not completely prevent the invasion of foreign enemies. The rise of the Mongols, especially the southward movement of Genghis Khan and his descendants, eventually broke through the defenses of the Great Wall and established a unified dynasty represented by the Yuan dynasty.
It also raises questions about the actual utility of the Great Wall. Whether the Great Wall was an effective defensive measure or merely a symbolic structure has been divided among historians.
In modern times, the Great Wall is not only a symbol of China, but also an important symbol of global recognition of China.
But behind this, we should think more about the historical significance and cultural value behind the Great Wall as a historical site.
In addition to the historical and cultural aspects, the existence of the Great Wall is also a great display of the wisdom and labor of the ancient Chinese. Every stone and wall of the Great Wall embodies the sweat and wisdom of countless laborers.
From this point of view, the Great Wall is not only a defensive facility, but also a symbol of the perseverance of a nation.
The construction of the Great Wall also came at a great cost. Countless laborers have sacrificed their precious lives in this historical process, which is a aspect that we cannot ignore when we admire this magnificent project.
This complex emotion is also the profound inspiration of the Great Wall to modern people.
From defending against foreign enemies to influencing the course of world history and becoming a symbol of cultural heritage, the Great Wall is undoubtedly a monument in the history of China and the world.
It is not only a wall, but also a microcosm of the history of the Chinese nation, showing the breadth and profundity of Chinese civilization and the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. The Great Wall also reminds us that every step of history is complex and diverse, and every stone and brick of it is worthy of in-depth exploration and reflection.