Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper explores the historical positioning and chronological issues of construction and utilization concerning the northern border defense system of the Khitan-Liao Dynasty (Liao Dynasty, 916–1125) and its associated wall-like remains. Research indicates that the northern defensive line, commonly referred to as the “Genghis Wall” (Chengjisihan Di), was initially built during the Liao period and continued to function under the Jurchen-Jin Dynasty (1115–1234). Chinese historical records document that sections of these fortifications were breached by Mongol forces in 1147. The “Genghis Wall” likely served multiple purposes: not only as a military barrier to deter invasions from northern nomadic groups and delay enemy advances—thereby buying time for relaying intelligence to southern layered defenses and major cities—but also as an infrastructural hub for regulating population movements, commercial flows, road traffic, tax collection, and pastureland management. To this day, this “Wall Route” across the steppe remains a vital transportation corridor.
Language: English
Topic: Eurasian Exchange Networks
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411458771