Intro
Mainstream Narrative:
Built by the ancient Chinese as a defensive structure against invading hordes of Mongols from the north.
It was, it is proposed, an elevated fortified highway providing protection, from bandits, to sherpas carrying goods to the West and taking gold and opium to the East, forming the eastern part of the Silk Road. It was also likely built in part, or in whole, with the oversight of Roman engineers as evidenced by the standard dimensions of the ‘wall’ and the spacing of the towers.
Videos
Great Wall of Rome: What is Roman Engineering Doing in China?
(June 2023)
Writers Jason Breshears and Martin Liedtke discuss how the Romans influenced construction of the Great Wall of China, not as a defensive structure but as a highway, along with the presentation of supporting maps and photos. They also detail its logistical use for the delivery of goods as part of the greater Silk Road network.
Max Igan in conversation with Jason Breshears
(June, 2023)
Max takes a break from his usual walk and talk to sit down with Jason to discuss the Great Wall of China. Jason briefly introduces the well-known narrative that the wall was built as a defensive structure by the ancient Chinese. He then goes through a step-by-step analysis showing that the wall was actually constructed by, or under the supervision of, the Romans as an extension of their trade routes stretching from Rome to the most eastern parts of Asia.
