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Period: 3000 BCE to Dec 31, 1400
3000BCE to 1400 CE
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2700 BCE
Tea
We know from written accounts that the Chinese have been drinking tea since at least 2700 B.C. For several thousand years, tea—made by letting tea leaves steep in boiling water—was drunk mostly as medicine. Industry -
618 BCE
improve bridges
For example, in 618 B.C.E. , a Chinese engineer completed a new type of arched bridge. In Europe, Roman-designed bridges rested on arches that were half-circles. Exploration and Travel -
250 BCE
Improving Travel by Sea
The Chinese developed the first compass as early as the 3rd century B.C.E. The first Chinese compasses were pieces of a magnetic mineral called lodestone. Exploration and Travel -
150
Paper
The Chinese invented the art of paper-making by the second century C.E. The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. Industry -
450
Improving Travel on Rivers, Lakes, Canals, and Bridges
people often traveled by boat on rivers or across lakes. An innovation of a vessel called a paddle wheel boat made this type of travel must faster. Exploration and Travel -
Feb 15, 650
Printing
The invention of paper made another key development possible: printing. In about the 7th century, the Chinese invented a technique called woodblock printing. Industry -
Feb 15, 850
Gunpowder
The Chinese who first made gunpowder were alchemists, people who practiced a blend of science and magic known as alchemy. Military Technology -
Feb 15, 950
Flame Thrower
Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire. Military Technology -
Feb 15, 1250
Bombs
In the 13th century, the Chinese used large bombs that were as explosive as modern bombs. Military Technology
