Inventions and Technology in ancient china

Inventions and Technology in ancient china

Learn about the inventions and technology of Ancient China to Europe such as paper, the compass, printing, and gunpowder

What industries and inventions are they best known for?

The inventions and technology of the Ancient Chinese were renowned. Many of these discoveries left a permanent mark on the entire world. Great technical achievements like the Grand Canal and the Great Wall of China were made possible by other inventions.

The engineers and scientists of Ancient China are credited with the following major innovations and discoveries:

Silk: Silk was a delicate and lightweight fabric that was highly coveted by the affluent around the globe. Because of how lucrative it became as an export, the commercial route connecting Europe and China came to be known as the Silk Road. The cocoons of silkworms were used by the Chinese to learn how to create silk. For hundreds of years, they were able to keep the method for manufacturing silk a secret.

Paper: The Chinese are credited with both the invention of paper and many fascinating uses for paper, including playing cards and paper money. In the second century BC, paper was originally created, and its production was eventually mastered around 105 AD.

Printing: Moveable type was created about 200 years after the invention of wood block printing in the year 868. This was actually hundreds of years before Gutenberg in Europe created the printing press.

The Compass: To aid in determining the right direction, the Chinese created the magnetic compass. Initially employed for city planning, this was later found to be crucial for map makers and ship navigation.

Gunpowder: In the 9th century, chemists searching for the Elixir of Immortality created gunpowder. Engineers soon discovered ways to employ gunpowder for military applications such explosives, weapons, mines, and even rockets. Additionally, they created spectacular, gorgeous fireworks displays for festivities.

Boat Rudder: To help huge ships navigate, the rudder was developed. Due of this, the Chinese were able to construct large ships as early as 200 AD, long before they were ever constructed in Europe.

Other: Other inventions include the umbrella, porcelain, the wheelbarrow, iron casting, hot air balloons, seismographs to measure earthquakes, kites, matches, stirrups for riding horses, and acupuncture.

Facts Inventions and Technology in ancient china

• Gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass are sometimes called the Four Great Inventions of Ancient China.
• Kites were first used as a way for the army to signal warnings.
• Umbrellas were invented for protection from the sun as well as the rain.
• Chinese doctors knew about certain herbs to help sick people. They also knew that eating good foods was important to being healthy.
• Compasses were often used to make sure that homes were built facing the correct direction so they would be in harmony with nature.
• The Grand Canal in China is the longest manmade canal or river in the world. It is over 1,100 miles long and stretches from Beijing to Hangzhou.
• They invented the abacus in the 2nd century BC. This was a calculator that used sliding beads to help compute math problems quickly.
• A clear coating called lacquer was made to protect and enhance certain works of art and furniture.
• Paper money was first developed and used in China during the Tang dynasty (7th century)

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