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150
Industry- Paper
The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. Later, the Chinese used rags. -
Period: 200 to Feb 12, 1400
CE
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Feb 12, 650
Industry- Printing
To print from the block, the printer covered the characters with black ink. Then he spread paper over the block and smoothed the paper with a brush. Some artists still use block printing today to create fine art prints. -
Feb 12, 750
Everyday Objects- Mecanical clock
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. The sounds let people know what time it was. -
Feb 12, 850
Military Technoogly- Gunpowder
Chinese alchemists experimented with a mineral called saltpeter. They may have believed that saltpeter could extend life. Perhaps by accident, they discovered that it could be used to make an explosive powder. -
Feb 12, 850
Everyday Objects- Game cards
Game cards were invented in China in about the 9th century. Printers used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. Famous artists drew the designs that appeared on the backs of the cards. -
Feb 12, 900
Everyday Objects- Paper money
Like game cards, paper money was printed with wood blocks. By 1107, Song printers were usingmultiple wood blocks to print each bill. A single bill would have many colors. Paper money is the most common form of currency in the world today. -
Feb 12, 950
Military Technology- Flamethrower
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. -
Feb 12, 1050
Industry- Movable type
Movable type consists of separate blocks for each character. Printers made their type by carving characters out of clay and baking them. To print, they selected the characters they needed and -
Feb 16, 1300
Military Technology- Rockets
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.
