It has been said in China that a city without a wall would be as inconceivable as a house without a roof. Even the smallest village invariably had some form of defensive wall, while the Great Wall of China was an attempt to build a barrier along the most vulnerable border of the entire country. Yet the finest examples of walled communities were China's walled cities, whose defensive architecture surpassed anything along the Great Wall. This book traces the evolution of the walled city from the 3,000 year old remains of the beaten earth walls of the Shang dynasty to the huge stone fortifications of the Ming dynasty. Stephen Turnbull, expert military historian, reveals the defensive structures from all the major ancient Chinese cities, and discusses how they protected entire communities, and not just castle dwellers, with colour artwork reconstructions, maps and archive photographs.

It has been said in China that a city without a wall would be as inconceivable as a house without a roof. Even the smallest village invariably had some form of defensive wall, while the Great Wall of China was an attempt to build a barrier along the most vulnerable border of the entire country. Yet the finest examples of walled communities were China's walled cities, whose defensive architecture surpassed anything along the Great Wall. This book traces the evolution of the walled city from the 3,000 year old remains of the beaten earth walls of the Shang dynasty to the huge stone fortifications of the Ming dynasty. Stephen Turnbull, expert military historian, reveals the defensive structures from all the major ancient Chinese cities, and discusses how they protected entire communities, and not just castle dwellers, with colour artwork reconstructions, maps and archive photographs.

The most famous example of fortification in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches for more than 6,000km across inhospitable terrain. Charting its development from its earliest origins 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, 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, colour maps, artwork and photographs, this book illustrates why the wall is one of the great wonders of the world.

The most famous example of fortification in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches for more than 6,000km across inhospitable terrain. Charting its development from its earliest origins 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, 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, colour maps, artwork and photographs, this book illustrates why the wall is one of the great wonders of the world.

The Great Wall of China is the most extensive and famous example of fortification in the world. 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. Stretching over 4,000 miles, the Great Wall began as a collection of defensive walls built by the northern vassal states under the Chou dynasty. With the unification of China in 221 BC the walls were interlinked and extended to fight off the invaders from the North. The wall as it is seen today is almost entirely the result of major renovations that started with the founding of the Ming Dynasty in 1368 AD and took 200 years to complete. 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.

Introducing "The Great Wall of China: 221 BCE - 1644 CE", a book bundle that delves into the 2,000 years of construction of the world-renowned Great Wall of China. Book 1, "The Great Wall and the Qin Dynasty: Uniting China Through Engineering", explores the earliest construction of the Great Wall and how it played a crucial role in the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty. Discover the engineering feats and techniques that were employed to construct this awe-inspiring wall. Book 2, "The Great Wall and the Han Dynasty: Cultural Flourishing and Expansion", takes you on a journey through the Han Dynasty's reign and the impact the Great Wall had on cultural exchange, economic development, and diplomatic ties. Learn about the strategic value and limitations of the Great Wall in protecting Han borders, its role in military strategy, and how it shaped later dynasties' military and border defense policies. Book 3, "The Great Wall and the Ming Dynasty: Legacy and Preservation", explores the Ming Dynasty's innovations in Great Wall design and architecture, including its watchtowers, fortifications, and garrison system. Discover the social and economic impacts of Great Wall construction on local communities, and the Ming Great Wall's significance in repelling nomadic invasions and insurrections. Finally, learn about the challenges and strategies for preserving and conserving the Great Wall for future generations. With "The Great Wall of China: 221 BCE - 1644 CE", you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the Great Wall's historical, cultural, and engineering significance. This book bundle is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the rich heritage and legacy of one of the world's greatest wonders. Order now and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Great Wall of China!

Uncover the Majesty of Ancient China: Emperors to Philosophers & Walls to Masterpieces Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Ancient China, a civilization that spans over two millennia? Introducing our exclusive book bundle, "Ancient China 221 BCE - 1644 AD: Emperors to Philosophers & Walls to Masterpieces." This carefully curated collection consists of four mesmerizing volumes that will transport you to a world of emperors, philosophers, engineering marvels, and artistic treasures. Book 1 - Emperors of the Silk Road: Ancient China's Dynastic Saga (221 BCE - 220 CE): Dive into the epic dynastic saga of Ancient China, from the visionary Qin Shi Huang's unification of warring states to the golden era of the Han Dynasty. Witness the rise and fall of emperors, the expansion of territories, and the intricate dance of power and diplomacy along the Silk Road. Book 2 - Confucianism: The Moral Compass of Ancient China (551 BCE - 479 BCE): Enter the realm of philosophy and ethics as we explore the teachings of Confucius, the sage whose moral compass guided generations. Discover the profound impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture, governance, and the intricate web of human relationships. Book 3 - The Great Wall: Engineering Marvel of Ancient China (7th Century BC - 17th Century AD): Journey through time and explore one of the world's most iconic engineering feats—the Great Wall of China. Trace its evolution from early defensive structures to the monumental wonder that spans centuries, offering insights into the challenges faced by its builders and the significance of its existence. Book 4 - Ming Dynasty Treasures: Art and Culture in Ancient China (1368 - 1644): Immerse yourself in the opulent world of the Ming Dynasty, where art, culture, and craftsmanship thrived. Witness the creation of exquisite blue and white porcelain, stroll through magnificent imperial gardens, and delve into a cultural renaissance that continues to captivate hearts. This book bundle weaves together the grand tapestry of Ancient China, where emperors, philosophers, engineers, and artists collectively crafted a civilization that transcends time. It's a civilization that left an indelible mark on the world, shaping the course of humanity. Join us on this extraordinary odyssey through Ancient China—a journey through time and imagination that awaits your discovery. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an admirer of philosophical wisdom, an engineering aficionado, or an art connoisseur, this bundle promises an immersive experience like no other. Don't miss the opportunity to uncover the majesty of Ancient China. Get your hands on this exclusive book bundle today and embark on an adventure through empires, ethics, walls, and masterpieces.