-
Period: 300 BCE to Dec 31, 1400
Chinese history
-
200 BCE
Compass
The Chinese developed the first compass by using load stone. The load stone was a magnetic mineral and when placed on a cork and placed in water, it would point towards the north and south to help travelers know which direction to go in -
150 BCE
Steel
The Chinese were the first to make steel, a very useful metal. This metal is made with iron, but is less fragile than iron. Steel is more flexible than iron. -
50
Porcelain
porcelain is a beautiful piece of art that is sturdy, but looks delicate. Porcelain dinnerware is also known and china. This pottery is made with clay, quartz and feldspar, and to become sturdy and baked in a kiln -
150
Paper
The Chinese invented the art of paper making. The Chinese made paper out of hemp and the bark of a mulberry tree. for more than 500 years the Chinese were the only people who knew the secrete of paper making. -
450
Paddle Wheel Boat
the Chinese adapted the idea of the paddle wheel boat by arranging a series of paddles on a wheel and people would walk on a treadmill to turn the paddle wheel, causing the boat to move forward. -
618
Sentimental Arch Bridge
A Chinese engineer invented a new type of arched bridge. These bridges did not use half circles, but instead used segments of circles. -
750
Tea
Tea had become a widely spread beverage in the 8th century. This product was made by picking tea leaves, then drying them in sun light then into a oven. -
850
Gun powder
Chinese alchemists looking for the secret of eternal life, accidentaly created gun powder. -
900
Mechanical clocks
Mechanical clocks were invented in the 8th century and were more effective than earlier timekeeping devices such as the hourglass and sundial. these were used by dripping water
