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Mapping the Medieval Wall System of China and Mongolia: A Multi-Method Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Storozum

    (Department of Asian Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

  • Dan Golan

    (Department of Asian Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

  • Ido Wachtel

    (Institute of Archaeology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

  • Zhidong Zhang

    (Department of Bible Studies, The Hebrew University, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

  • Johannes S. Lotze

    (Department of Asian Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

  • Gideon Shelach-Lavi

    (Department of Asian Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

Abstract

The Medieval Wall System of China and Mongolia is one of the longest wall systems in the world, but its specific chronology, function, and purpose remain ambiguous. Constructed at various points throughout the 10th to 13th centuries CE, this network of walls, forts, and enclosures covers an estimated 4000 km and spans a wide range of ecozones, from the deserts of western China to the steppes of northern Mongolia and the Khingan mountain range. In this article we used historical atlases, topographic maps, and an array of different kinds of data derived from satellite remote sensing, to produce one of the first accurate maps of the Medieval Wall System. Through this large-scale mapping program, we are now able to evaluate previous work that estimates the length of the wall system and different areas of construction. By measuring the structures associated with the wall and the length of the wall itself, we identified at least three different areas of construction along the Medieval Wall System. Future studies may be able to use similar tools to develop more accurate maps of other wall systems throughout Eurasia to further advance the comparative study of ancient wall systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Storozum & Dan Golan & Ido Wachtel & Zhidong Zhang & Johannes S. Lotze & Gideon Shelach-Lavi, 2021. "Mapping the Medieval Wall System of China and Mongolia: A Multi-Method Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:10:p:997-:d:641323
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vernon, Victoria & Zimmermann, Klaus F., 2019. "Walls and Fences: A Journey Through History and Economics," GLO Discussion Paper Series 330, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    2. Ningke Hu & Xin Li & Lei Luo & Liwei Zhang, 2017. "Ancient Irrigation Canals Mapped from Corona Imageries and Their Implications in Juyan Oasis along the Silk Road," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Gideon Shelach-Lavi & William Honeychurch & Amartuvshin Chunag, 2020. "Does extra-large equal extra-ordinary? The ‘Wall of Chinggis Khan’ from a multidimensional perspective," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 7(1), pages 1-10, December.
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