Part 5/8:
Transitioning from the Han era to the more formidable structures built during the Ming Dynasty, Lindesay's explorations lead him to the ornate fortifications surrounding Jiayuguan, regarded as the western endpoint of the famous Great Wall. Erected in the 1530s, this castle exemplifies the strategic military design that characterized Ming architecture—walls designed to fortify territory against invading armies but steeped in rich legends.
Construction of these walls was underpinned by immense labor, as a single project could require thousands of workers to sustain its development. Through meticulous archaeological efforts, Lindesay and his contemporaries uncover not only the construction details but also the cultural significance of the Great Wall in the context of Chinese civilization.