The Great Wall of ChinaViridiana Diaz

Current Events Q_2

Algebra II

Period 10

11/11/10

Background

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago. In Chinese the wall is called "Wan-Li Qang-Qeng“,

which only means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).

It is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed.

It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing.

It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km long and its thickness ranged

from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30ft).

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.

The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.

It has a place among“ the New Seven Wonders of the World”.

Purpose

The Great Wall of China was built mainly to protect the Chinese Empire from northern invaders.

Chief Architects

It was built by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty .

Math Used

Well none of the sites I went on actually described the math that was used, but I can conclude that according to the length and the elevation of where it was built, there were many measurements involved.

Architecture ahead of its time?

Perhaps, it might be considered too advanced, considering the time it was built, but the purpose of it justifies the reason behind its construction.

Still existent?

Yes, indeed the Great China Wall is still existent and it is predicted that it will last a long time.

Opinion : Great? Or Overrated?

I think that the Great China Wall is a great piece of architecture. Not only was it an effective method of protection against invaders, but as time goes by, it is still a very beautiful and sophistical piece of architecture, and a very touristic site.

The Great Wall in the early morning

The Great Wall in the during the night

Extra Credit : Other Wonders From China

Terra Cotta Warriors Museum

Hanging Monastery

Leshan Buddha

Mount WudangShi Bao Zhai Temple

Forbidden City

References

http://www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/greatwall/Allabout.html