Which Groups Mainly Provided the Labor Force for the Construction of the Great Wall in Ancient Times

In ancient times, the construction of the Great Wall required an enormous labor force. The main groups involved were soldiers, peasants, and prisoners. Soldiers, with their discipline and physical strength, were among the first to be mobilized. They were well-suited for the arduous tasks of hauling heavy stones and building the fortifications. Peasants, who constituted the majority of the population, were also conscripted in large numbers. They had to leave their farms and families behind to contribute their labor. Their skills in working with the land and basic construction techniques were essential for tasks such as laying the foundation and building the earthen parts of the wall. Prisoners, too, were made to work on the Great Wall as a form of punishment. The combination of these groups, though often under harsh and difficult conditions, managed to create this colossal structure over the course of many dynasties. Their efforts, whether voluntary or coerced, are an integral part of the Great Wall's history and a symbol of the sacrifices made in the name of national defense and territorial integrity.