The Great Wall of China 2,000 Miles Longer Than Thought

Great Wall of ChinaA study conducted by the Chinese government has found that the Great Wall of China is about 2,300 miles longer than earlier estimates. The survey was conducted over the past two years. Scientists used infrared and GPS technology to follow the wall and find long stretches that had been buried by sandstorms.

The Great Wall was constructed in sections, beginning around the 7th century B.C. and continuing under various Chinese dynasties. Work and maintenance continued on the wall through the Ming, which lasted from A.D. 1368 to 1644. The newly discovered portions of the wall were built under the Ming Dynasty.

The wall was built to protect China’s northern border from invaders. The wall was built of brick, with portions built up from earth or dug out into trenches. The Chinese mapping study will continue for the next year-and-a-half. It will use the infrared and GPS technology to map portions of the wall built during the Qin and Han Dynasties.

Related Links

  • Map of the Great Wall of China
    Map from National Geographic of the Great Wall China, including all portions known to exist in 2002.
    (Source: National Geographic, 2002)
  • Great Wall of China “Even Longer”
    Story from the BBC covers the new portions of the Great Wall discovered by China’s survey. Includes a map that shows the newly discovered portions.
    (Source: BBC, April 20, 2009)
  • Great Wall of China Much Longer Than Previously Thought
    Article covers the Chinese government’s high-tech study, and the new discoveries made about the wall.
    (Source: Telegraph, April 20, 2009)
  • Chasing the Wall
    Feature on the Great Wall of China from National Geographic, from before the new discoveries were made. Includes photos.
    (Source: National Geographic, 2002)

4 Comments

  1. juan says:

    it sucks

    • PopRo says:

      YOU suck. That wall took many years, lives, and supplies to build. How ignorant can you get?

  2. israel says:

    idk i agree with juan. it sucks

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