How Was The Great Wall of China Defended?

(original photo by Exfordy per this license)

The Great Wall of China was defended primarily by archers. Since it was too expensive to keep the Wall perpetually manned, sentries along the length of the walls in use served to warn against impending invasions.

The Great Wall could not defend against all invaders, of course – some just chose to scale the wall. However, it was next to impossible to bring horses in or heavy / bulky stolen goods out.

How Different Parts of The Great Wall of China Were Defended

Great Wall Gates

The most vulnerable sections of the Great Wall were the gates, necessary to facilitate trade in and out of China. These were heavily fortified, and took several forms:

One large to enormous gate
A ‘wengchang’ or trap between an inner and outer gate
A gate leading into a labyrinth / small fortress

Depending on when it was built and its location, the gates ranged from simple thick doors to enormous timber doors with iron bolts & locking rings. Many sat under a tower to allow better warning of attack and house additional archers & soldiers.

Watchtowers & Battlements

Watchtowers at intervals along the Great Wall provided safe housing for sentries and additional soldiers in the case of direct attack on the wall. Battlements were narrow slits on the outside and wide on the inside to allow a wide shot angle for archers.

Was The Great Wall of China Really ‘Defended’?

The Great Wall could not prevent a determined enemy from entering China. Earlier versions of the wall could be broken through at more vulnerable gates, and while the Ming Dyansty great wall may have been strong enough to repel any invasion, it was opened from within.

However, the Great Wall in all of its forms did at least slow down invaders, provide ample warning of any attack, and prevent nomadic raiders from bringing horses in or goods out.

All About The Great Wall of China

History of The Great Wall of China - A history of the Great Wall of China
Facts About The Great Wall of China - Frequently asked questions & other facts about the Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China Map - Maps of the Great Wall of China
Pictures of The Great Wall of China - Assorted pictures of the Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China Resources - Strongly recommended articles about the Great Wall of China

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