Castle－like structure

CCTV.COM (04.10 2003 11:10)

    Why the castle－like buildings were built like they were�?It is believed that the earth buildings' most important function is for defense.

    In the past�?the people living in the area faced both natural and human threats. They had to fend off wild animals from the surrounding forest as well as the occasional group of bandits.

    The watchtowers are perched on the top floor of the building. When one building was being attacked�?the villagers would sound a gong and people from the neighboring buildings would come to the rescue.

    The villagers used to hide here and shoot at their enemies through the openings in the wall. They could just pour boiling water through the gap if they ran out of ammunition.

    The earth buildings were also built particularly strong. All the windows are very small and do not appear until the third or fourth floors. The entrance gate�?the structure's only vulnerable point�?is fortified with a stone frame.

    As it incorporates a lot of wood�?a fire would be devastating here. The earth building has a special mechanism to guard against the danger. The holes in the wall are linked�?through bamboo pipes�?to the entrance gate below. Water is poured down the channels and comes out from above the gate downstairs. The water might not be much�?but it would be enough to dampen any attempt to torch the gate. The villagers used to check the pipes regularly to ensure they weren't clogged.

Editor:Inner