| It is impossible to answer the question of who built the Great Wall of China with a single name, empire or epoch in history. Beginning in the 5th century BC the nations of the Warring States Period were constructing fortifications throughout China to keep watch over and protect their capital cities. These fortifications were the basis for what would later become one of the true achievements of human history.
Who Built the Great Wall of China Originally?
The original wall was first officially begun in 221 BC and was constructed under the oversight of the Qin Dynasty. Led by Qin Shi Huang, the man who was able to unite China and end the Warring States period, the effort was a monumental endeavor. After finally uniting the empire, his goal was to keep it as such and so he immediately devoted countless resources to closing the gaps between the existing fortifications built over the previous 200 years and created the first Great Wall.
This early wall was constructed mostly from rammed earth on the plains, where it was beyond the scope of Qin resources to transfer materials so far. In the mountain passes, stones were used however. These early stretches of wall were built, rebuilt and maintained for the short duration of the Qin Dynasty until 206 BC when the Han Dynasty took hold. Throughout the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin Dynasties, the wall was maintained in certain areas, depending on the needs of the empire at those times. However, because of the nature of the construction and the high demand of its maintenance, many sections were allowed to degrade and fall apart. It is still unknown today what the extend of the original Qin wall might have been.
Who Built the Great Wall of China that We See Today?
Parts of the Qin Great Wall are still visible today, mostly in the mountains. However, much of that original fortification was destroyed by time, especially those sections crafted of rammed earth. It was not until the Ming Dynasty was embroiled in a vicious war with the Mongols that the Great Wall of China saw a resurgence of support and fortification.
In 1449, after the Battle of Tumu, in which the Mongols defeated Emperor Ming’s army, China turned to the creation of walls once more to protect its people. This new Great Wall of China was built mostly along the borders of Mongolia in the North to keep out the invaders. For 20 years the walls were maintained rigorously under the Ming Dynasty. However, after a Ming General betrayed his empire and allowed invaders into the country, the Qing Dynasty was formed and soon Mongolia was incorporated into China and the walls were left alone as they served no further purpose.
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