Dragon's Spine: The Untold History Of The Great Wall Of China

By: Nathaniel Baxter

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The Great Wall of China is an icon, but the popular image of a single, continuous stone dragon is a modern illusion. This book journeys beyond the tourist trail to reveal the true story of the Great Wall as a complex and fragmented system of many walls, built by numerous dynasties over two thousand years. Discover a history written not just in stone and brick, but in rammed earth, desert reeds, and the very mountainsides themselves.

From the earliest earthen barriers of the Warring States to the magnificent fortresses of the Ming Dynasty, each section of the wall was a desperate response to a specific threat. Uncover the lives of the soldiers, conscripted peasants, and disgraced officials who toiled on the frontier, and learn how local communities both benefited from and suffered under the wall's immense shadow. Follow the story of the wall's ultimate failure, where internal decay and betrayal, not military might, led to the fall of the dynasty that perfected it.

After the Qing Dynasty rendered the wall militarily obsolete, it began a long decline, becoming a free quarry for local villagers and a crumbling ruin left to the forces of nature. Explore the modern threats facing the wall, from erosion and development to the surprising impact of tourism. Learn about the ongoing and often contentious efforts to preserve this world heritage site, and how the ancient structure has been repurposed in surprising ways, from a farmer's sheep pen to the course for a grueling marathon.

This comprehensive history moves beyond folklore to present the archaeological and historical evidence for the wall's true story. Finally, the book tackles the most persistent myth of all, exploring the scientific and anecdotal evidence to definitively answer the question of whether the Great Wall can be seen from space. It is an essential narrative for anyone who wishes to understand the complete and unvarnished history of one of the world's most monumental and misunderstood achievements.