Final answer:
The main difference between the Great Wall of China and Hadrian's Wall is their historical context, length, and the nature of their construction. The Great Wall spans over 21,196 kilometers and was built over centuries with varying purposes, while Hadrian's Wall stretches 117 kilometers and served as a boundary for the Roman Empire in Britain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between the Great Wall of China and Hadrian's Wall lies in their historical context and the scope of their construction. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built over various dynasties, initially started by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century BCE. It was significantly enhanced during the Ming dynasty, and despite its dilapidated sections, it spans approximately 21,196 kilometers, making it one of the most extensive construction projects ever undertaken. In contrast, Hadrian's Wall was a Roman fortification established under Emperor Hadrian in the second century CE, extending about 117 kilometers across northern Britain to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. It featured small forts, known as milecastles, at every mile, signaling a more linear and uniform structure.
Moreover, while both walls served defensive purposes, the Great Wall's construction was influenced by multiple factors including defense against invasions, territorial expansion, and the symbolization of Chinese power and identity, especially during the Ming dynasty. On the other hand, Hadrian's Wall was more directly associated with marking the extent of Roman rule and managing the movement of peoples and military across the empire's frontier.