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Period: 3000 BCE to Dec 31, 1400
Chinese History
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2700 BCE
Game Cards
Game cards were invented in China in about the 9th century. Printers used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. EVERYDAY OBJECTS -
2700 BCE
The Development of the Mechanical Clock
The Chinese developed the first mechanical clock in about the 8th century. The new clock was more accurate than earlier timekeeping devices, such as sundials and hourglasses. EVERYDAY OBJECTS -
2700 BCE
Paper Money
Paper money was invented by the Chinese in the late 8th or early 9th century. Before that time, coins were the only form of currency. EVERYDAY OBJECTS -
2700 BCE
Paper
The Chinese invented the art of papermaking by the second century C.E. The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. INDUSTY -
2700 BCE
Printing
The invention of paper made another key development possible: printing. In about the 7th century, the Chinese invented a technique called woodblock printing. INDUSTY -
2700 BCE
Tea
We know from written accounts that the Chinese have been drinking tea since at least 2700 B.C. For several thousand years, tea made by letting tea leaves steep in boiling water—was drunk mostly as medicine. INDUSTY -
850 BCE
Rocket Technology
Rocket technology was developed in China during the Song dynasty. Rockets were powered by a black powder made of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. At first, rockets were used only in fireworks. Later, the Chinese used them as weapons. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY -
Feb 14, 850
Gunpowder
Chinese alchemists accidentally discovered gunpowder when experimenting with saltpeter in an attempt to find a cure for death. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY -
Feb 15, 850
Flame Thrower
Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY
