The third phase of the Ming period began after the decision in the late 1540s not to conduct a massive campaign in the [G 15 / Ordos] to re-establish the might of the dynasty. In any event, the Ming no longer had the capability to conduct such an offensive. Instead, it was decided to build even larger walls as a barrier to the nomads (a complete turnaround in military policy and attitude). [P 010 / Walls of the third period] are characterized by stone construction and elaborate ramparts.
