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Period: 3000 BCE to Dec 31, 1400
Chinese History
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2700 BCE
Tea
The Chinese have been drinking tea since 2700 B.C. For thousands of years, tea (made by letting tea leaves stay in boiling water) was drunk mostly as medicine for the people. Industry -
850 BCE
GUNPOWDER
The Chinese people who where the first make gunpowder were alchemists, these people are who practiced the blending of science and magic known as alchemy. Military Technology -
400 BCE
Improving Travel by Sea
The first Chinese compass had pieces of a magnetic mineral
called lodestone. Earth itself is like a giant magnet with
north and south poles. Exploration and Travel -
100
Paper
The Chinese invented paper making by the 2nd century C.E. The earliest Chinese paper was made from hemp and the bark of the mulberry tree. Later, the Chinese used rags instead. Industry -
100
The Chinese made sea travel safer.
By the 2nd century C.E., they started building ships with separate, watertight compartments. Builders divided the ships into sections and sealed each section with caulk, a sealant that keeps out water. If there were a leak, it would be isolated. Exploration and Travel -
450
Paddle Wheel
In the 5th century, the Chinese adapted this idea by arranging a series of paddles in a wheel. People walked on a treadmill to turn the paddle wheel, which in turn moved through the water, moving the boat forward. Exploration and Travel -
Feb 16, 600
Printing
In the 7th century, the Chinese invented something called woodblock printing. The printer first drew characters (symbols) on paper. You would then glued the paper to the wooden block. When the glue dried, the printer carved the wood around the letters, leaving the letters raised on the wood. Industry -
Feb 16, 900
Flamthrower
By the 10th century, the Chinese had made the first weapon that used gunpowder: the flamethrower. Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire. Military Technology -
Feb 16, 1300
Rocket Technology
Rocket technology was made in China during the Song dynasty. Rockets were powered by a black powder made with saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. First, rockets were used as fireworks. Then later, the Chinese used them as weapons. Military Technology
