The Great Wall of China was primarily built to protect against invasions from which group?

The Great Wall of China was primarily built to protect against invasions from the Mongols. This massive structure was constructed over several dynasties, with significant portions built during the Ming dynasty, when the threat of Mongol invasions was particularly pronounced. The Mongols, known for their expert cavalry and nomadic lifestyle, posed a serious challenge to the stability and safety of the Chinese states. The Great Wall served as a fortification, creating a physical barrier to slow down their movements and defend the agricultural regions of China.

The construction of the wall was not solely for military purposes; it also represented a means of controlling trade and immigration across the borders. While other groups, such as the Persians and Vikings, were significant in other historical contexts, their interactions with China did not present the same immediate threat that the Mongols represented, especially during the times the wall was constructed and fortified. In contrast, the samurai were primarily associated with Japan and did not have significant incursions into Chinese territory that would necessitate such defensive measures. Thus, the focus of the Great Wall’s defensive strategy aligns specifically with the historical context of Mongol invasions.