This panoramic photograph of The Great Wall was taken by James Blakeway. It features a view of The Great Wall as it winds its way along the peaks of mountains while offering a line of defense against enemies. It was originally an earth wall and later connected during the Qin dynasty (221-206 B. . by slave labor. During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the wall took its present form. The brick and granite wall was enlarged and sophisticated designs were added. The watchtowers were redesigned and modern canons were mounted in strategic areas. Straw was used to build signal fires.