Characteristics of the site selection and the layout of the Great Wall of the Ming dynasty from a military perspective: Xiaohekou section as an example

Abstract

As a great engineering work for the purpose of military defense in the time of Cold Weapon, the Great Wall’s military function is of the most importance. This study takes the Xiaohekou section of the Great Wall in Mount. Zhuizi constructed in the Ming Dynasty in Liaoning Province as the research object. In addition, this study discusses the relationship between the terrain and its site selection and layout from the military perspective. This research analyzes the trend and the grade of the terrain, the distance, the view range, and the effective firing range between the main body and the subsidiary establishments through GIS software. The GPS data collected in the on-site investigation were used, applying the theories of military geomorphology. Furthermore, this study concludes the characteristics of the site selection and the layouts of the city walls, the hollow watchtowers, the Ma’mians, and the signal towers on different terrains and the reasons behind.

Keywords

Military function / Xiaohekou section of the great wall of the ming dynasty / Site selection and layout / Terrain

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