5 Famous Border Walls
Despite their historical origins, border walls have gained significant attention in the 21st century due to a sharp rise in their quantity. Supporters assert that they prevent terrorism, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration. However, some argue that walls are excessively expensive and useless; one study states that building a 0.5 mile border fence typically costs a country between $1 and $10 million, with additional costs for maintenance. We've compiled a list of some of the most noteworthy border barriers in history while the discussion rages on.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, arguably the most well-known border wall in the world, is one of the biggest construction projects ever undertaken. In 2012, China published a (disputed) report claiming that the wall, which is often believed to be 5,500 miles long, is actually 13,170 miles long—more than half of the circumference of the Earth. Beginning in the 7th century BCE, construction in northern China lasted for two millennia. According to reports, up to a million people perished while building the wall, earning it the moniker "longest cemetery on Earth." But the wall didn't really stop incursions. For instance, Genghis Khan and his Mongolian army broke over the barrier with ease in the beginning of the 13th century. Scholars claim that rather than offering true protection, "the wall never worked" and instead served as "political propaganda."
Berlin Wall
On November 10, 1989, the day the Berlin Wall opened, people from East and West Berlin gathered to the wall.
The government of Germany chose to build a wall to prevent entry to West Berlin and, consequently, West Germany during the country's split, following the approximately 2.5 million people who left the Soviet-controlled East Germany. The walls and other security measures eventually stretched 28 miles through Berlin and 75 miles (120 kilometers) encircling West Berlin. Construction started on the evening of August 12–13, 1961. Even though the wall had mines, gun emplacements, and watchtowers, it was the site of widely reported escapes, with an estimated 5,000 East Germans having crossed. Still, about 200 are believed to have perished. The Berlin Wall rose to prominence as a representation of the Cold War, and in 1987 U.S. Pres. In a well-known statement, Ronald Reagan urged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!" The wall was opened two years later, as the Soviet Union started to fall apart.
Great Wall of Gorgan
The Great Wall of Gorgan, also known as the Red Snake, is a historic defensive fortification located in northeastern Iran. Dating back to the Sasanian Empire (224–651 CE), this impressive structure spans approximately 195 kilometers (121 miles) from the Caspian Sea to the mountainous regions of northeastern Iran. Constructed primarily of fired bricks, the wall served as a formidable barrier against invasions from northern tribes and nomadic groups. Key features of the Great Wall of Gorgan include numerous forts and watchtowers strategically placed along its length.
The wall's construction and the intricate water supply system—which includes reservoirs and canals—highlight the Sasanian era's superior engineering abilities. The Great Wall of Gorgan, though not as well-known as its Chinese counterpart, is nevertheless a noteworthy example of ancient Persia's military and architectural supremacy.
Belfast Peace Walls
The Belfast Peace Walls are a series of barriers built in Northern Ireland, primarily in Belfast, to separate predominantly Protestant loyalist and Catholic nationalist communities. Their history dates back to the late 1960s during "The Troubles," a period of intense sectarian conflict between these two groups. The first walls were erected in 1969 as temporary structures to prevent violent clashes and protect communities from rioting and attacks.
These walls were strengthened and extended throughout time, finally becoming a permanent part of the metropolitan environment. The length of the Peace Walls varies from few hundred yards to more than three miles, and their height ranges from 10 to 25 feet. Among these are gates that are left open during the day but frequently locked at night to stop violent situations.
The Peace Walls have persisted despite the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which essentially put an end to the armed conflict. They represent both the still deep differences and the efforts made to uphold peace. Though progress has been sluggish, there have been moves in recent years to demolish or alter these walls, encouraging peace and integration.
The Peace Walls are moving reminders of both the current struggle for enduring peace and unity as well as Belfast's turbulent past.
Hadrian’s Wall
The northern border of the Roman Empire in Britain is marked by Hadrian's Wall, which the Romans erected in Northern England. Built between 122 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the wall extends 73 miles (117 kilometers) from the River Tyne, which is close to the North Sea, to the Solway Firth, which is on the Irish Sea.
In addition to being a strong barrier against the Scottish tribes, the wall also functioned as a check on immigration and smuggling and as a representation of Roman dominance. The wall was mainly constructed of stone and turf, with turrets, milecastles, and other tiny fortlets positioned at regular intervals. The wall served as a base for soldiers and a means of communication and transportation for people traveling along its length.
In addition to serving as a military barrier, Hadrian's Wall served as a symbol of the Roman Empire's power and organization. For almost three centuries, it was a bustling military location that helped the Romans rule Britain. The wall became dilapidated as the Romans left Britain in the early fifth century, and the people living there found new uses for the stones.
Today, Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, offering insight into Roman military engineering and the history of Roman Britain. Despite the passage of time, it remains a powerful symbol of the Roman Empire's influence in ancient Britain.
