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150
Industry: The Invention of Paper
The earliest Chinese paper most likely made from hemp and then the bark of a mulberry tree. Later, rags were used by the Chinese. Starting in China, knowledge of papermaking traveled to Japan and across Central Asia. -
Period: 150 to Feb 12, 1400
CE
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Jan 1, 650
Industry: The Invention of Printing
The development of printing was based off of the invention of paper, both discovered by the Chinese. The Chinese also invented a technique called woodblock printing sometime in the 7th century. -
Jan 1, 750
Everyday Objects: The Development of the Mechanical Clock
The mechanical clock developed by the Chinese was far more accurate than earlier timekeeping devices, such as sundials and hourglasses. The Chinese devised a wheel that made one complete turn every 24 hours. Every quarter hour, drums would beat; and every hour, a bell would chime. -
Jan 1, 850
Military: The Development of Gunpowder
The first gunpowder made was from Chinese alchemists. Alchemists were people who practiced a blend of science and magic known as alchemy. Gunpowder was made by accident when the Chinese alchemists attempted to make a substance that might allow people to live forever. -
Jan 1, 850
Everyday Objects: The Invention of Game Cards
Printers created game cards using woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. The designs that appeared on the backs of the cards were drawn by famous artists. -
Jan 1, 900
Everyday Objects: The Invention of Paper Money
Before paper money was invented, coins were the only form of currency. Just like game cards, paper money was printed with wood blocks. Today, paper money is the most common form of currency in the world. -
Jan 1, 950
Military: The Invention of the Flamethrower
The flamethrower was the first weapon to use gunpowder. Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. They were used by the Chinese to spray enemies with a stream of fire. -
Jan 1, 1000
Military: The Development of 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. They also developed a two-stage rocket for their armies. -
Jan 1, 1450
Industry: The Invention of Movable Type
The Chinese weren't the first to develop movable type. The Europeans developed this independently in the 1400s. Movable type consists of separate blocks for each character. Printers made their type by carving characters out of clay and baking them.
