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Beyond the textbook.
What else might the Wall have done?
Other reasons for the Wall
Three possible reasons
1. Mark the edge
Where China ended
Example:
A boundary
2. Control and tax
Traffic through gates
Example:
Trade
Travel
Taxes
3. Show power
A huge structure
Example:
The emperor's strength
Besides defence against raids:
- To mark the boundary of the empire, so everyone knew where China ended.
- To control trade and travel , since goods and people had to pass through its gates.
- To collect taxes at those gates.
- To show the power of the emperor . Such a huge structure displayed the strength of the state.
- To move soldiers and messages quickly along the top of the wall.
NCERT question · THINK ABOUT IT, page 92
What could have been the other reasons for building the Great Wall of China? Explore and share your findings on the Great Wall through a model or presentation.
