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2700 BCE
Industry: Tea
The chinese invented tea they have been drinking it since around 2,700 B.C.E. It was first only drank as medicine. By the 8th century it started getting really popular. -
250 BCE
Explore and Travel: Compass
Chinese compasses were pieces of a magnetic mineral
called lodestone. Because lodestone is magnetic, it is
influenced by Earth’s magnetic poles. -
150
Industry: Paper
Papermaking became an important industry in China. For more than 500 years, the Chinese were the only people in the world who knew how to make paper. -
650
Industry: Printing
In the 7th century, the Chinese invented a technique called woodblock printing. The printer first drew characters a piece of paper. He then glued the paper to a wooden block. -
750
Everyday Objects: Mechanical Clock
The Chinese made wheel that made a complete turn every 24 hours. water made the wheel turn. Every hour, a bell would chime. The sounds let people know what time it was. -
850
Millitary Technology: Gunpowder
Chinese alchemists experimented with a mineral called saltpeter. They believed that saltpeter could extend life. By accident, they discovered that it could be used to make an explosive powder. In 850 C.E., alchemists recorded a formula for gunpowder. They warned others to avoid it because it was extremely dangerous. -
850
Everyday Objects: Playing cards
Printers used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. Famous artists drew the designs that appeared on the backs of the cards. -
850
Everyday Objects: Paper Money
Paper money was printed with wood blocks. By 1107, Song printers were using multiple wood blocks to print each bill. A single bill would have many colors. -
950
Military Technology: Flamethrower
Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire. -
1300
Military Technology: Rockets
Rockets were powered by a black powder made of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur.
