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Great Wall of China
stone & earth wall extending across N China, built as a defense against invaders in the 3d cent. , with later extensions: 15-30 ft (4.5-9 m) high; 12-20 ft (3.5-6 m) wide; c. 1,500 mi (2,415 km) long
See Great Wall of China in American Heritage Dictionary 4
A line of fortifications extending about 2,414 km (1,500 mi) across northern China. Built in the third century B.C. by some 300,000 laborers (mainly criminals, conscript soldiers, and slaves), the wall proved ineffective against invaders and is today a major tourist attraction.
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