Mongolia - May 26, 2025 A new study has uncovered that the Gobi Wall was more than a defensive barrier. It was a complex tool of imperial strategy during the Xi Xia dynasty from 1038 to 1227 CE. Stretching 321 kilometers across Mongolia’s highland deserts, the wall was built mainly from rammed earth, stone, and wood. Archaeologists from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, National University of Mongolia, and Yale University led the research. They used remote sensing, surveys, and excavations to reveal the wall’s purpose and history. The Gobi Wall’s garrisons were carefully placed to control frontier movement, regulate trade, and assert territorial control. Its construction adapted to the harsh desert environment, using local resources like water and wood. The wall’s route used natural features such as mountain passes and sand dunes to strengthen its effectiveness. Evidence shows the area was occupied periodically from the 2nd century BCE through the 19th century CE, highlighting its long-term importance. Lead researcher Professor Gideon Shelach-Lavi said the wall was a dynamic system for managing territory, not just a simple barrier. The study sheds new light on medieval Inner Asia’s political and ecological strategies and helps us understand ancient infrastructure’s lasting impact.