What is the Great Wall of China? It is 4,000 mile long wall that the Chinese built over ten dynasties starting in 221 B.C. The Chinese built it to shield their villages from random Mongol raids. It protected China, creating stability and an opportunity for the growth of Chinese culture and government. It also allowed for economic progress. For example, the Silk Road, along which goods including silk were exchanged between east and west, was south of the great wall. Without the Great Wall the Silk Road was open to attack from bandits and raiders from the north. The Great Wall is also the world's longest graveyard. Bodies of many of the builders were buried during construction.