Blowing Up History Season 1 Episode 6 Great Wall of China

Blowing Up History is a historical series that uncovers the secrets behind some of the most impressive structures in the world that have stood the test of time. In season 1, episode 6, the show explores the Great Wall of China and tries to determine how a wall built over 2000 years ago still stands today.

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles. The episode tries to shed light on the mystery behind the wall, what did it seek to protect the Chinese from? From Khan's armies to bandits, the wall was built to protect China's borders. The episode features renowned historians who help unravel the mysteries behind the wall and separate fact from fiction.

The episode begins by delving into the construction of the wall, which began as early as the 7th Century and continued until 1644. The show goes on to reveal that, contrary to popular belief, the wall was not built as a single structure but was, in fact, a collection of different walls and fortifications constructed by various dynasties. The construction period also saw the use of different materials in building the wall - including brick, stone, earth, and wood - which raised questions on how the wall could have remained standing for so long.

The episode explores the different sections of the Great Wall that are still standing today to understand their unique features and to uncover how the different walls were brought together into one enormous wall. The show brings in the latest technology, including drones and 3D mapping, to help shed more light on the mysteries behind the wall's construction.

Furthermore, the episode examines the defensive strategy used during the building of the wall. For example, the wall was designed to be a 'choke point,' with every fortification looking like it could be easily climbed, thereby tempting the enemy to try and scale it. Once the enemy soldiers started climbing, however, they found the wall was not so easy to conquer, with holes, loose stones, and even hidden pits set up to ensure the defenders could hold their position.

The episode also tries to give insights into the legends surrounding the Great Wall of China. For instance, one such legend is that the remains of workers who died building the wall were incorporated into the wall for good luck, something that was thought to make the wall even stronger and impenetrable. While such claims have been debunked, there are historical records of workers dying during construction, and the show takes a look at these records to understand how the workforce was recruited and the working conditions during the building of the wall.

In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world that has stood the test of time. It has amazed people for centuries, with its daunting size and complexity, and yet, few understand the secrets behind its successful construction and impressive longevity. The episode attempts to shed more light on these secrets while also debunking some of the myths and legends that have long been associated with the wall.