The Forbidden City: A Fortress for an Emperor (and Maybe a Playground for Princes and Princesses)
The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is a majestic palace complex. But did you know that one of the reasons it was built was to keep the emperor safe?
Emperor Yongle, who ruled China from 1402 to 1424, decided to move the capital city from Nanjing to Beijing. This was a strategic decision. You see, the Mongols, a powerful nomadic group, had ruled China before Yongle's dynasty, the Ming, came to power. The Mongols were a constant threat from the north, and Beijing's location made it easier to defend against their attacks.
To protect himself and his city, Emperor Yongle ordered the construction of the Forbidden City. It wasn't just a palace; it was a fortress! Imagine massive, red walls towering over 30 feet high, surrounding a city within a city. These walls, along with wide moats filled with water, made it incredibly difficult for enemies to break in.
But what about the children? While the Forbidden City was designed to be a safe and secure home for the emperor and his family, it also served as a giant playground for the princes and princesses who called it home.
Imagine this:
- Hidden Courtyards: The Forbidden City is made up of almost 1000 buildings with secret gardens and courtyards hidden throughout. Imagine playing hide-and-seek in such a place – you could spend days trying to find all the secret spots!
- Grand Halls for Games: Enormous halls, big enough to fit hundreds of people, were used for banquets and ceremonies. But for a child, these halls might have seemed like the perfect place to run and play games.
- Gardens Filled with Wonders: The Forbidden City isn't just buildings and walls. Beautiful gardens filled with exotic plants, winding paths, and even a small mountain created a world of adventure for young royals.
While life in the Forbidden City was tightly controlled by rules and rituals, it's fun to imagine the young princes and princesses using their imaginations to turn this fortress into their own extraordinary playground.
Q&A
1. Why did Emperor Yongle move the capital city to Beijing? Emperor Yongle moved the capital to Beijing because it was easier to defend against attacks from the Mongols who posed a threat from the north.
2. How did the Forbidden City protect the emperor? The Forbidden City was designed like a fortress, with high walls, wide moats, and guarded gates to keep invaders out and protect the emperor.
3. Besides being a safe place, what else might have made the Forbidden City interesting for children? The Forbidden City's many buildings, hidden courtyards, grand halls, and beautiful gardens would have provided endless opportunities for exploration and play for the children who lived there.