|
 In
the early 1400's, the third Ming Emperor "Yongle" moved
the capital of China to Beijing. In 1406 he began construction on
his new capital. The Capital consisted of three main sections: The
Forbidden City, which contained the Imperial Palace complex; The
Imperial City, which was home to the government officials; and the
Outer City which was south of the Imperial City and is where the
rest of the people lived.
The Forbidden City, ( so named because common
people were forbidden to enter ) was indeed a city. Over 800
buildings containing 8,886 rooms, and
covering 250 acres. The entire complex is surrounded by a 32 foot
high wall which is protected by a 165 foot wide drainage ditch
forming a mote. The city is only accessible by entering through
one of four gates which span the water.
|
The
Concubine was a common site
within the palace walls. Thousands of young women were presented
for their chance to become a member of the Emperor's household and
perhaps to become Empress and rule all of China. 
