The Great Wall of China 221 BC–AD 1644

by Turnbull, Stephen; Noon, Steve

• ISBN13: 9781846030048
• ISBN10: 1846030048
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-01-30
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

The most extensive and famous example of fortification in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches for more than 4,000 miles across inhospitable terrain. Charting its development from construction in the 7th century BC through to the present day, this account reveals the true history of the wall, and explores the myths that surround it. Included are details of what it was like to live within the wall, the ideas behind the defensive systems, how it was garrisoned and patrolled, and a discussion of how effective it was against attack. Through extensive examination of both ancient and modern sources, color maps, artwork and photographs, this book illustrates why the wall is one of the great wonders of the world.

Author Biography

Dr. Stephen Turnbull, a leading authority on Japanese history, has an MA in Theology and an MA in Military History, in addition to a PhD from Leeds University for his work on Japanese religious history. He has traveled extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognized by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. He is a lecturer in Japanese Religion at the University of Leeds. The author lives in Leeds, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction: raiding and trading	p. 4
Chronology	p. 8
Design and development	p. 9
The Great Wall and its builders
The construction of the Great Wall
The structural and architectural features of the Great Wall
The Great Wall as a strategic defensive system	p. 30
Mobile enemies and static defences
The Ming Great Wall - a ridge too far?
The Great Wall at the operational level	p. 36
Defending the Great Wall
Signalling and intelligence gathering
Artillery on the Great Wall
The Great Wall from end to end	p. 41
The living site	p. 49
Life and death on the Great Wall
Guarding the Great Wall
Operational history	p. 52
From boredom to battles
The Great Wall in modern warfare
Aftermath: the Great Wall as a symbol	p. 58
The Great Wall today	p. 59
Bibliography	p. 63
Index	p. 64
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