The Mutianyu Mountains from the Great Wall, northern China

Ref: 031001-002-32     Date: 01-10-2003

This is a view of the Mutianyu Great Wall, about 70 km northeast of Beijing. This section of the Wall was built during the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The usual explanation for its construction is that it was built as a defense against incursions by 'barbarians' from the north. However, this simplifies the historical evidence. The Wall was built to establish ownership of land taken by the Chinese from the pastoral nomads. That these borders were in dispute throughout much of Chinese history should surprise noone.