The Mongol conquests helped transfer gunpowder technology from China to the Middle East and eventually Europe, fundamentally changing…

Genghis Khan grandson Kublai Khan completed the conquest of China in 1279 and established the Yuan Dynasty, becoming the first non-Chinese…

The mortar used to bind the Great Wall stones was made with glutinous rice, creating a bond stronger than ordinary lime mortar. This…

Arsenic was added to the Great Wall's construction materials to prevent insects and plants from eroding the structure. This toxic element…

The philosophy of Confucius, developed over two millennia ago, continues to influence Chinese values today. It emphasizes morality, respect…

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not one continuous wall. It consists of many separate sections including sidewalls, parallel…