The Great Wall of China

Originally built to protect the northern territories of China from invasions, the Great Wall has been rebuilt and maintained for more than 16 centuries. The wall stretches for 5,500 miles (8,851 km), including some natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers.

Unlike many other fortifications at that time, bricks and stone were used in the construction of the Great Wall, instead of rammed earth. In the Juyongguan pass, the wall reaches 25.6 feet (7.8 meters) in height and 16.4 feet (5 meters) in width. In some other areas, the wall climbs steep slopes and is completed by watchtowers built up to 3,215 feet (980 meters) above the sea level. It is estimated that while building this amazing fortification, more than 1 million workers lost their lives.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The three pyramids famous worldwide are located in Egypt, on the outskirts of Cairo. Egyptologists say that these amazing pieces of architecture are approximately 4,500 years old and they are currently considered the oldest monuments constructed in dressed masonry.

The Great Pyramid, the complex’s largest structure, is 756 feet long and 450 feet high. For three millenniums, it was the highest structure in the world. 2,300,000 blocks of stone, each averaging 2 ½ tons in weight were used to raise this fascinating piece of architecture. Although the methods of constructions are still uncertain, it is strongly believed that stones used in construction were quarried in the surrounding areas and then dragged on special created sledges and ramps. Egyptologists estimate that approximately 200,000 people participated in the construction of the Great Pyramid, a record that was achieved only once in our known history.

Great Wall of China

One of the most famous structures in the world can be found to the northwest and north of Beijing, China. Said to be visible from the moon, the Great Wall is the longest fortified line ever built. It zigzags to the east and west along the mountains, stretching more than 1,500 miles.

Construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century B.C. It stands about 25 feet high and has 40-foot towers built into it every 200 to 300 yards. The wall tapers from a 25-foot base to about 15 feet at the top. Its sides are made of earth, brick and stone, while the top is paved with bricks set in lime, forming a roadway for horsemen. The Great Wall was built entirely by hand and took hundreds of years to complete.