The early Middle Ages started after the Roman Empire ended in the 5th century. Germanic traditions overlaid the earlier syncretism of Roman culture.
The synthesis of Germanic, Greco-Roman (specifically the influence of Greek architecture) and the Christian culture is clearly visible in several (religious) landmarks such as the Notre-Dame, Westminster Abbey and the marvellous tidal Island of Mont-Saint-Michel.
The Great Wall of China's history began in the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC), was first completed in the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), and was last rebuilt as a defense in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
