What estimated workforce was needed to build the Great Wall of China? Is this the largest number of men needed to build one structure or has something else needed more?
Question
#55569. Asked by gmackematix. (Feb 28 05 9:57 PM)
smeogalla
It is my understanding that The Great Wall was built in many stages over many many years under different Emporers and in fact is not one wall but many walls. So it is difficult to know the size of the work force. There were many fatalities during constuction and I am sure at the time record keeping was not a high priority.
Mar 01 05, 6:54 PM
gmackematix
Well, the main original wall built in the 3rd century BC in the Qin Dynasty has a core of about 180 million metres cubed of rammed earth and the workforce required is estimated in the hundreds of thousands. The numbers who died have earned it the nickname of "the longest cemetery on Earth". Unless anyone can think of anything else this must be the largest amount of manpower ever put to work on a single construction project.
Mar 01 05, 7:20 PM
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