The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 during the Cold War to separate the Soviet-controlled East and the Democratic West. The wall, made of concrete and barbed wire, stood for 28 years.

THE BERLIN WALL: COUNTDOWN TO 1961/1989 reveals a very personal perspective on this physical representation of the Cold War.

Between 1961 and 1989, over 5,000 people made successful escapes. Others were not so lucky; at least 140 were killed or died while trying to cross the Wall.

Following are key facts about the Berlin Wall, which was erected beginning in the early hours of August 13, 1961 and breached on November 9, 1989.

Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall stood for 28 years at the front line of the Cold War between the Americans and the Soviets.

The heavily fortified 106 km (65 mile) Wall, built in 1961 and encircling West Berlin, was breached on the night of November 9, 1989. Hundreds of so-called Mauerspechte ("Wall-woodpeckers ...

The fall of the Berlin Wall surprised to the world. How did this historic moment happen? The fall of the Berlin Wall on the evening of November 9, 1989 came as a complete surprise to East and West ...

Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall stood for 28 years at the front line of the Cold War between the Americans and the Soviets.