Secrets Of The Great Wall | Ancient China From Above | National Geographic
National Geographic Asia・24 minutes read
Archaeologists are using advanced technology like drones and satellites to uncover hidden tunnels, ancient cultures, and structures along the Great Wall of China. The Ming Dynasty built the wall to defend against nomadic tribes, and recent discoveries suggest a complex early warning system existed to protect against attacks.
Insights
- Cutting-edge technology like satellites and drones is revolutionizing archaeological exploration of the Great Wall of China, uncovering hidden tunnels, ancient structures, and providing new insights into its construction and purpose.
- The Great Wall of China, originally built by the Ming Dynasty to defend against nomadic tribes, is not only a massive defensive structure but also a testament to China's historical evolution, with discoveries of older walls and complex communication systems shedding light on its rich and multifaceted history.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall of China is not only the largest man-made structure visible from space but also served as a defensive barrier against nomadic tribes like the Mongols. It played a crucial role in protecting China's gateway to global trade and concealed ancient remains, showcasing the country's history and achievements.
How are archaeologists using technology to explore the Great Wall of China?
Archaeologists like Alan Maca and Sarah Klassen are utilizing state-of-the-art satellites and drones to uncover hidden archaeology along the Great Wall of China. This technology has revealed lost ancient cultures, hidden tunnels for ambushes, and even a complex early warning system involving watchtowers and communication methods.
What historical discoveries have been made near the Great Wall of China?
Recent findings near the Great Wall of China include an older wall predating the Ming Dynasty in the Kumtag Desert, arrowheads dating back to the Han Dynasty, and ancient relics containing instructions for soldiers stationed at the towers. These discoveries shed light on the wall's long history and strategic importance.
Who built the Great Wall of China and why?
The Ming Dynasty constructed the Great Wall of China to defend against nomadic tribes like the Mongols. They built around 25,000 watchtowers along the wall, creating a sophisticated communication system for early warning of attacks. The wall's purpose was to protect China's trade routes and conceal ancient remains.
What is the role of the Terracotta Warriors in Chinese history?
The Terracotta Warriors, created by China's first emperor, are a significant part of his massive mausoleum complex, showcasing his power and achievements. These life-sized statues symbolize the emperor's authority and the unity of China under his rule, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural heritage.
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Summary
00:00
"Uncovering Ancient Secrets of China's Great Wall"
- Alan Maca, an archaeologist, is exploring the Great Wall of China with new technology.
- State-of-the-art satellites are revealing hidden archaeology and lost ancient cultures.
- The Great Wall is the largest man-made structure, visible from space.
- The Ming Dynasty built around 25,000 watchtowers along the wall.
- The Ming Dynasty constructed the wall to defend against nomadic tribes like the Mongols.
- Canadian archaeologist Sarah Klassen is using drone data to create a 3D model of the Ming Dynasty wall.
- Hidden tunnels along the wall were used for ambushes, a new discovery through technology.
- The Ming Dynasty's Great Wall is 5,500 miles long, longer than previously thought.
- An older, primitive wall predating the Ming Dynasty has been discovered in the Kumtag Desert.
- Arrowheads found near the ancient wall suggest it dates back to the Han Dynasty, over 2,000 years old.
25:05
Uncovering China's Ancient Wall Communication System
- The Great Wall of China served to protect China's gateway to global trade and also concealed ancient remains.
- A tech team, along with experts from Peking University, investigates a mysterious tower near an ancient section of the wall using drones to create a 3D model.
- The team scans a four-mile section of the wall for more remains using drones, saving time and capturing detailed images.
- Archaeologists interpret the findings, revealing a possible watchtower and another tower behind the wall, suggesting a complex early warning system.
- Ancient relics found in a museum contain instructions for soldiers stationed at the towers, detailing signaling methods for enemy attacks.
- The towers were part of a sophisticated communication system designed to provide early warning of attacks along the wall.
- The Terracotta Warriors, created by China's first emperor, are a significant part of his massive mausoleum complex, showcasing his power and achievements.
- The first emperor united existing walls from warring states to create the first true Great Wall of China, which evolved over centuries into a 13,000-mile-long structure, symbolizing China's history and achievements.
