$Cu_2O$ nanowires were synthesized at large scale on copper plate by thermal oxidation in air. The effect of oxidation time and temperature on the morphology of the nanowires was examined. The oxidation time had no effect on the diameter of the nanowires, while it had a great effect on the density and the length of the nanowires. The density and the length of the nanowires increased, and then decreased, with increasing oxidation time. The oxidation temperature had a tremendous effect on the size-distribution as well as the density of the nanowires. When the oxidation temperature was $700^{circ}C$, uniform size-distribution and high density of the nanowires was achieved. At lower and higher temperatures, the density of the nanowires was lower, and they displayed a broader size-distribution. It is suggested that the $Cu_2O$ nanowires were grown via a vapor-solid mechanism because no catalyst particles were observed at the tips of the nanowires.