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For the first time, scientists have produced such a detailed map of the northern border of Greater China (approximately 740 km long), and their findings call into question previous beliefs.
“Before our investigation, most people thought that the border was intended to stop Genghis Khan’s army,” said Gideon Shelach-Lavis, who led the investigation.
However, research has shown that the northern border, most of which is in Mongolia, winds through the valleys and is relatively low in elevation and close to human travel routes. Therefore, scientists believe that the purpose of this border was unrelated to war and the desire to defend itself.
Bird’s-eye view of the northern part of the Great Wall of China
© Photo from the Hebrew University.
“Our conclusion is that the main function of this border was that it was convenient to monitor, stop and possibly tax the movement of people and livestock,” says Shelach-Lavis.
Scientists believe that during the Middle Ages, with a harsh climate, people sought better conditions for livestock and moved to more pastures in the south.
The Great Wall of China is made up of several parts and construction began before our era. Its construction lasted several centuries and it is estimated that its length with several branches was up to 21,196 km. It is the longest artisan building in the world.
Remains of walls and structures.
© Shelach-Lavi et al., Antiquity, 2020
Interestingly, it is this northern part of the border that is also called the Genghis Khan Wall. Until now, it was thought that it was built between the 11th and 13th centuries to defend against this legendary conqueror. At the same time, 72 small rectangular structures were built.
A team of Israeli, Mongolian and American scientists led by Shelach-Lavi used drones, still-image satellite imagery, traditional archaeological tools, and accurately estimated the northern border.
According to Shelach-Lav, so far the northern Great Wall of China has not received adequate attention from scientists, and the results now available have allowed us to learn more.
The research results are published in the journal Antiquity.
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