Final answer:
The Great Wall was originally constructed using wood, brick, stone, and rammed earth, later rebuilt with stone during the Ming Dynasty to strengthen and extend the fortifications in response to security needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Wall was originally built of wood, brick, stone, and rammed earth, and was rebuilt in stone centuries later. The initial construction utilized methods like rammed earth, which involved tamping down earth between wooden frames to create a sturdy barrier. This technique was prominent in the early sections of the Great Wall,
Centuries late, during the Ming Dynasty, the wall saw substantial renovations and extensions. At this time, the use of stone became more prevalent, especially around vital areas like Beijing and Liaodong Province. These enhancements were driven by the need to defend against invasions and consolidate new territories.
The Great Wall extends across a diverse landscape, including arid regions of China, indicating the vast coverage and strategic importance of the fortification over time. The labor for these immense construction projects typically came from farmers and artisans who were required to provide labor as a form of tax to the state.