Ep 10. China

In the season 1 episode 10 of Engineering an Empire, we explore the ingenuity and innovation of the ancient Chinese civilization. From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, the Chinese used their skills in engineering and architecture to create monumental structures that still endure to this day.

The episode begins by delving into the unifying force that allowed the Chinese to create great achievements in their ancient civilization. The concept of the Mandate of Heaven, a religious and political philosophy, was adopted by the ruling classes to legitimize their rule. This concept held that the ruler was given the divine right to rule from Heaven, and it was the duty of the people to obey and serve the ruler. With this belief system in place, the Chinese were able to mobilize vast numbers of laborers and engineers to undertake some of the most ambitious feats of engineering.

One of the most well-known examples of Chinese engineering is the Great Wall. Stretching over 13,000 miles across China, this wall was built by hand and is one of the largest construction projects in history. The engineers responsible for this amazing feat had to overcome many challenges, including harsh terrain, labor shortages, and lack of resources. They also had to ensure that the wall was structurally sound and could withstand attacks from invaders. The episode explores the innovative techniques used in the construction of the Great Wall, such as using sticky rice in the mortar to make it stronger and more durable.

Another impressive structure covered in the episode is the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing. This palace was built during the Ming Dynasty and served as the home of emperors and their families for centuries. The Forbidden City was not only a residence but also a symbol of power and prestige, a place where world leaders and dignitaries came to pay tribute to the Chinese emperor. The construction of the palace was a massive undertaking, requiring the work of thousands of laborers and artisans. The episode reveals the secrets behind the design and construction of the Forbidden City, such as its elaborate drainage system and the use of Feng Shui principles.

In addition to these famous structures, the episode explores other impressive achievements of Chinese engineering, such as the Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway. The Grand Canal links the Yellow River in the north with the Yangtze River in the south, providing transportation and irrigation for millions of people. The canal was built over several centuries, and the engineers had to overcome many obstacles, such as digging through mountains and dealing with flooding.

The episode also examines the development of some of China's most significant technological innovations, such as gunpowder, paper, and the compass. These inventions transformed Chinese society and had a profound impact on the world. The engineers responsible for these inventions utilized principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to create breakthrough technologies that changed human history.

Throughout the episode, viewers will see how the ancient Chinese combined their creative ingenuity with their belief system to create masterpieces of engineering and architecture. From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, the Chinese were able to create lasting legacies that still inspire and amaze us today. Engineering an Empire season 1 episode 10 is a gripping and educational exploration of one of the world's greatest civilizations and their remarkable achievements.