The Rest Is History 15. Walls and Borders
18 snips
Jan 18, 2021 Delve into the fascinating history of barriers, from the Great Wall of China to modern borders. Discover the evolution of security and technology in relation to migration. Analyze the effectiveness and cultural significance of structures like the Berlin Wall. Explore the emotional implications of walls on identity and belonging, while questioning their true purpose. Lastly, examine the intriguing case of Kaliningrad, revealing how enclaves challenge our understanding of borders today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Effective Walls
- Effective walls depend on their purpose, like keeping people in or out.
- The Berlin Wall, though monstrous, effectively limited East Berliners' escape to the West.
Hadrian's Wall Walks
- Tom Holland has walked Hadrian's Wall three times, including once with his family.
- Their initial walk from Wallsend was marked by heavy rain and unhappy children.
Hadrian's Wall Ambiguity
- Hadrian's Wall's purpose remains unclear; it could symbolize Roman strength or weakness.
- Its ambiguity reflects a common theme in wall building: strength versus weakness projection.