Talk:Great Wall of China

Semi-protected edit request on 23 January 2025

I would like to edit the "literally" line, as I feel like "translating to" feels more professional 2601:204:D77F:30F0:C8AA:FEE0:A04D:2663 (talk) 21:32, 23 January 2025 (UTC)

 Not done: This wording specifies a literal translation. Remsense ‥ 论 21:34, 23 January 2025 (UTC)

Evolving functions of the wall over time

"The article provides a valuable overview of the Great Wall, but I believe more emphasis should be placed on the evolving functions of the wall over time. While the wall is often seen as a military defense structure, it also served as a symbol of imperial power and as a control mechanism for trade and immigration, particularly during the Ming dynasty. Could we expand the discussion on the wall’s role in facilitating or hindering the Silk Road trade, and perhaps address the contradictions in its historical significance across different periods?" Khan Karim Khan (talk) 15:40, 1 March 2025 (UTC)

About the term great

Hello editors, I would like to raise a concern regarding the usage of the term "Great" in the title “Great Wall of China.” While the structure is undoubtedly impressive in scale, many historians such as Arthur Waldron and John Man have pointed out the massive human cost involved in its construction — including forced labor, deaths of countless workers, and its use as a political tool.

Would it be appropriate to contextualize this in the lead section, or consider a critical footnote explaining that the term "Great" is contested by modern scholarship?

Thank you. Robin Robin.0751 (talk) 18:45, 28 June 2025 (UTC)

About the term great

Hello editors, I would like to raise a concern regarding the usage of the term "Great" in the title “Great Wall of China.” While the structure is undoubtedly impressive in scale, many historians such as Arthur Waldron and John Man have pointed out the massive human cost involved in its construction — including forced labor, deaths of countless workers, and its use as a political tool.

Would it be appropriate to contextualize this in the lead section, or consider a critical footnote explaining that the term "Great" is contested by modern scholarship?

Thank you. -- Robin.0751 (talk) 18:47, 28 June 2025 (UTC)

What the heck are you talking about? "Great" typically is a description of a structure's or animal's size, not a praise for its morality. Forced labour has existed for most of human history, and probably will continue to exist until human extinction is achieved. Dimadick (talk) 21:11, 28 June 2025 (UTC)