Ancient china

Ancient China Technology Line-Up

By ntohm
  • Parasol
    3500 BCE

    Parasol

    Using oil paper and bamboo, the parasol was used to keep water and UV radiation off of the people of China
  • Silk
    2696 BCE

    Silk

    Using special breeds of moths, the woman of China would unwind the cocoons and remove the silk inside
  • Crossbow
    700 BCE

    Crossbow

    A handheld weapon that consisted of a trigger, horizontal bow, and a charge mechanism, this fired powerful bolts over large distances
  • Lacquer
    300 BCE

    Lacquer

    A tree sap or artificial compound used for polishing or as a coat, such as for porcelain
  • Porcelain
    220 BCE

    Porcelain

    What is referred to as China, these ceramic dishware are very popular in trade and plating
  • Compass
    200 BCE

    Compass

    Originally used for fortune telling and geomancy, this magnetized tool helped many explorers, seafarers, pilots and more to navigate their way
  • Paper
    100 BCE

    Paper

    A revolutionary discovery made from wood, it's uses were limitless from literature, art, messages, notes, formulas, data, currency and more
  • Earthquake Monitor
    132

    Earthquake Monitor

    Also called a seismometer, this device used bronze toads, balls and dragons, when seismic activity would show the ball would fall from the compass oriented dragons mouth and into the toads to notify anyone put in charge to watch it
  • Wheelbarrow
    200

    Wheelbarrow

    A wooden cart used to transport materials, bodies, tools and more, also called the "Wooden Ox" back in ancient China
  • Suspension Bridge
    618

    Suspension Bridge

    A pathway suspended in the air with rope or iron chains, aided in crossing large gaps in valleys and rivers
  • Paper Money
    700

    Paper Money

    Replaced metals and jewels, easier to stockpile and carry but also created inflation and counterfeiting
  • Gunpowder
    850

    Gunpowder

    Highly flammable powder created by charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter, used in fireworks, cannons, firearms and more
  • Printing Press
    1000

    Printing Press

    Carved wooden blocks being used as ink templates, this evolved into clay and ceramic characters
  • Fishing Reel
    1127

    Fishing Reel

    A small wheel on the side of a fishing rod with string wound up inside, a crank alongside to reel back in the line