In ancient times, walls were used to mark territory and keep enemies away from the cities. In fact, their primary purpose was for defensive purposes. ‘
Today, walls are used to keep immigrants out, prevent drug trafficking, and as a defense against terrorism. These walls are usually long, some running several miles.
While you probably don’t sit and wonder how long walls are, it’s interesting to know some of the longest walls in the world and where they are located.
Today, we will let you in on this information. Let’s get started.
1. Great Wall of China
The great wall of China was built in the northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China. It was built to protect Chinese people against nomadic groups from Eurasian.
But it’s interesting to note that the wall didn’t stop invaders from entering the country. The height of the wall is 4,722 feet, and it is 13,171miles long(21,196km).
2. Israeli West Bank barrier
Israel began building the wall in 2002, although it’s yet to be completed. Building the wall was to protect Israel from Palestinian suicide bombers.
The wall will be 708 kilometers (440 miles) upon completion. The wall is made of concrete where some sections are about 9.8ft high, and others go up to 26ft.
3. Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
This wall runs through the Korean peninsula to separate North and South Korea. Out of all walls, it is the most heavily militarized body in the world.
The wall is 160 miles(250km), and its width is about 2.5 miles(4km). In addition, the height from east to west is 16-26 ft high and 33-62 ft thick at the bottom, and 10-23 ft wide on the upper part of the wall.
4. Great Wall of Gorgan
The wall of Grogan is in Northern Iran and was built in the 5th and 6th centuries.
It was built to stop invasions from the Hephthalites and Turks. It spans about 124 miles(199km).
And includes about 40 forts. Additionally, the wall stands tall at about 20 m.
5. Hungarian border wall
Hungary started building a wall in 2015. They built it to prevent the number of immigrants crossing the border from Serbia and Croatia.
The wall is a razor-wire fence that stretches about 109 miles(179 km) and stands 13 feet tall.
6. Berlin wallÂ
Germany built the Berlin wall to control movement to West Berlin. The construction started in 1961, extending 28 miles through Berlin and 75 miles around West Berlin.
Today there are segments of the wall that still exist. So, it makes it to the list because it is listed among the greatest longest walls in the world.
7. Hadrian’s Wall
The Hadrian wall was built in Northern Britain under Emperor Hadrian’s leadership. It was built in the second century to stop invaders from entering England from Scotland.
The wall was 10 feet in width and 15 feet tall. Additionally, it was staffed with troops and stretched about 73 miles (117km).
8. Walls of Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar 11 built gigantic walls in one of the great cities south of Baghdad, Iraq. There is controversy about how long the wall stretches.
Estimates say it’s 41 miles, but the ancient history encyclopedia states that historian Herodotus claimed the wall stretches about 56 miles long. In addition, the wall of Babylon is 80 ft thick and 320 ft high.
9. Walls of Constantinople
The walls of Constantinople were built to protect the city of Constantinople(Istanbul) and were famous in the medieval world. It has an inner wall that stands at 40 feet tall and 15 feet thick.
Along the course of the wall, there is a 175-foot interval and has 96 huge towers used to mount heavy military engines. These walls are said to stretch about 14 miles(22km).
10. Belfast Peace Walls
Belfast walls were built in 1969 to separate Catholics from protestants. There was conflict as Protestants wanted to be part of the United Kingdom and Catholics sought to join Ireland.
The walls have about 100 walls and stretch over 21 miles(30km). However, in 2013, the government of Ireland vowed they would demolish all the walls by 2023. But the first wall was demolished in 2016.
You have learned of some of the longest and greatest walls in history. Although some have been demolished, they still make it to the list. So, if you visit one of these countries you can view these walls.
The dimension of stuff has been an interest of mine ever since I was a child. What I believe is most fascinating about the dimension of stuff is how extremely long, tall and wide some objects are both on earth and in the universe.