Chinese Discoveries & Inventions

By eskricar
  • Period: 3000 BCE to Dec 31, 1400

    Chinese history

  • 200 BCE

    COMPASSES

    COMPASSES
    The first Chinese compasses were pieces of a magnetic mineral called lodestone. Earth itself is like a giant magnet with north and south poles. Because lodestone is magnetic, it is influenced by Earth’s magnetic poles. EXPLORATION AND TRAVEL
  • 100

    BOAT CONSTRUCTION

    BOAT CONSTRUCTION
    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. The other compartments would not fill with water, keeping the ship afloat. EXPLORATION AND TRAVEL
  • 200

    PADDLE WHEEL

    PADDLE WHEEL
    Within China, people often traveled by boat on rivers or across lakes. This is an innovation of a vessel that makes the boat go faster. EXPLORATION AND TRAVEL
  • Feb 14, 800

    CLOCKS

    CLOCKS
    The new clock was more accurate than earlier timekeeping devices, such as sundials and hourglasses. The Chinese devised a wheel that made one complete turn every 24 hours. Dripping water made the wheel turn. Every quarter hour, drums would beat and every hour, a bell would chime.
  • Feb 15, 800

    GAME CARDS

    GAME 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. EVERYDAY OBJECTS
  • Feb 13, 850

    GUNPOWDER

    GUNPOWDER
    Discovered accidentally by alchemists who were working with a substance called saltpeter. They were looking for something that would allow them to live forever. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY
  • Feb 14, 850

    PAPER MONEY

    PAPER MONEY
    Before that time, coins were the only form of currency, but they changed that. Like game cards, paper money was printed with wood blocks.EVERYDAY OBJECTS
  • Feb 14, 900

    FLAMETHROWER

    FLAMETHROWER
    This was the first weapon ever that would contain gunpowder. The Chinese loaded them with a mixture of gunpowder and oil. They used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire.
  • Feb 14, 1300

    ROCKET TECHNOLOGY

    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