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200
Industry: 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. Later, the Chinese used rags. -
Period: 200 to Feb 11, 1400
CE
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Feb 11, 700
Industry: Printing
printing. In about the 7th century, the Chinese invented a technique called woodblock printing. The printer first drew characters (symbols) on paper. -
Feb 11, 800
Everyday: Mechanical clock
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. 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 11, 850
Military: Gun Powder
Alchemists accidently discovered gun powder when working with sulpher trying to find a potion that would make people immortal -
Feb 11, 900
Everyday: Game Cards
Printers used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. Famous artists drew the designs that appeared on the backsof the cards. Europeans were introduced to card games by the late 1300s. -
Feb 11, 900
Everyday: Paper Money Game cards
Game Cards and Paper Money Game cards were invented in China in about the 9th century.
the world. -
Feb 11, 950
Industry: Porcelain
Porcelain Another Chinese invention is a type of fine pottery called porcelain. Some historians think that the Chinese produced the first porcelain as early as the 1st century C.E. -
Feb 11, 1000
Military : Flame Thrower
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. -
Feb 11, 1200
Military: Artillery Shell
Between the 11th and 14th centuries, the Chinese created many other weapons using gunpowder. Artillery shells, for example, exploded after being hurled at enemies by a war machine called a catapult.