Abstract: A retaining wall and a block for constructing the same. The retaining wall is constructed by superimposing rows of blocks upon each other. The blocks have side, rear, front, top and bottom faces. The side faces are parallel to each other and the rear and front faces are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side faces. The top and bottom faces are perpendicular to the side, rear and front faces; and both the top and bottom faces are substantially identically Z-shaped. The top and bottom faces are divided into three surfaces, the second surfaces being inclined at an acute angle to the third surfaces. The first surface of the top face is longer than the first surface of the bottom face. Consequently, when the blocks are superimposed upon each other, the front face of each block lies slightly rearwardly with respect to the block immediately below it.