The Defense System of the Fortifications in Hexi Corridor
2 min readAlong the fortifications in Hexi Corridor there were fortresses，forts，beacon towers，and passes，which altogether constituted an integrated defense system.
The fortresses were the small towns near the fortifications，which were usually built in the especially strategic positions，not only for self-protection but also observing the enemies.The commandants and captains responsible for defense under sheriff were all stationed in the fortresses so as to fight with the enemies at any moment.The forts were constructed as additional structures，which were used to serve the needs of the fortresses and help the latter function better.They were usually built beside the fortresses or beacon towers.It should be noted that this kind of construction pattern had never appeared in the fortificationsbuilt by the earlier dynasties，which was a pioneering work of the Han dynasty（206 BC-220 AD）.And the beacon towers were the constructions in a shape of square or circumference，with the side or diameter of 10 meters or so.
They were usually several meters or even more than ten meters high. By now more than 300 beacon towers were found in Jiuquan, Zhangye and Weiwu of Gansu province.
The passes were usually built on the post road inside the fortifications, which were the important gates on the “Silk Road”. Now we know that in the four prefectures in Hexi area set 4famous passes, namely Yumenguan Pass, Yangguan Pass, Jinguan Pass and Xuansuoguan Pass. On the post road there were also many post stations, where people could took rest or stayed.
In order to defend against the invasion of the Xiongnu troops and ensure the smoothness of the “Silk Road”, the Han dynasty built the fortifications in Hexi Corridor, which was of strategical importance. And the promotion of agricultural colonies of soldiers and civilian people by the Handynasty in the northwest area was also of great significance in the development of the northwest area. Thanks to the dry and sparsely populated local environment,a large part of all these splendid achievements and the precious construction remained in existence which provide large amount of precious materials for the later researchers.
Since the 20th century, especially after 1949, after careful and all-around investigation and excavation, the fortifications of the Han dynasty reappeared at last, which gradually became the scenes familiar with people. In addition, tens of thousands of precious wooden slips (the “book”before paper was invented) of the Han dynasty unearthed in the relic sites also provided precious materials for the research about the defense system, garrison system etc of the fortifications of the Han dynasty.
