Introduction

China, a country with a rich history and culture, is home to many historical sites that are not only famous but also mysterious. Among these, the Great Wall of China stands out as one of the most iconic and intriguing structures in human history. The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles across China's rugged landscape, making it an engineering marvel that has fascinated people for centuries. But did you know that there is more to this ancient wall than just its impressive length? In this article, we will explore some fascinating facts about the Great Wall's hidden message and how it was used as a warning system to deter invaders.

The Construction of the Great Wall

Before we delve into the hidden messages on the wall itself, let us first understand why it was built in such an extensive manner. The construction of the Great Wall began during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (221-210 BCE) who unified China for the first time under one ruler after years of warring states. He ordered his subjects to build a long wall along their northern borders against nomadic tribes from present-day Mongolia and other regions northward.

The Original Purpose: Border Control & Trade Route Protection

While building walls may seem like an obvious solution today when considering border control or trade route protection purposes; however back then they were quite innovative ideas! This massive structure served both functions simultaneously – keeping out unwanted visitors while allowing friendly merchants passage through its gates.

Moreover, historians believe that Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi wanted his successors' rule verified by constructing something so immense; thus ensuring he left behind lasting evidence proving his existence wasn't just mythical folklore but real achievements made possible by him alone - hence "First Emperor" title!

A Warning System Through Carvings & Symbols

Now let us dive into what makes this piece truly unique among ancient structures worldwide: Its intricate carvings featuring symbols representing warnings against potential threats posed by invading armies!

These symbols include:

"Warring States Period" Animals: These creatures symbolize chaos (the dragon), danger (the tiger), destruction (the snake), etc., reflecting fears faced during those times.

Emperors' Portraits: Emperors often had their portraits carved onto walls as reminders who ruled at any given moment — preventing future rulers from forgetting their predecessors’ accomplishments.

Arrows Pointing Outwards: Arrows pointing towards invaders signaled 'Do Not Enter'. It acted much like modern day traffic signs!

4."No Entry Signs": Some sections feature large stone blocks inscribed with characters meaning "no entry". One could interpret them either way though... perhaps they were meant as warnings?

5."Watchtowers And Watchmen": Strategically placed watchtowers throughout allowed sentries stationed within them keep watchful eyes on all approaching travelers—ensuring no sneaky invasions took place unobserved!

In conclusion,

The construction process itself showed how advanced technology was for its time;

Its original purpose aimed at protecting both Chinese citizens and foreign traders;

Various carvings serve multiple purposes including providing visual reminders about past conflicts,

keeping track record visible between empires,

alerting potential intruders not welcome

and lastly acting as early security systems;

And remember next time you visit this incredible monument think beyond just its grandeur – there lies more than meets your eye!