-
Period: 3000 BCE to Dec 31, 1400
Chinese history
-
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. However, by the 8th century C.E., tea had become a hugely popular everyday beverage throughout China. -
150
Paper
The Chinese invented the art of papermaking by the second century C.E. The earliest Chinese paper wasprobably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. Later, the Chinese used rags. -
Feb 15, 700
Painting
The invention of paper made another key development possible: printing. In about the 7th century, the Chinese invented a technique called woodblock printing. -
Feb 15, 800
The Mechanical clock
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. -
Feb 13, 850
gunpowder
Chinese alchemists discovered when they were using saltpeter to try to find a secret to immortality (military technology) -
Feb 15, 900
Paper money
Before that time, coins were the only form of currency. Like game cards, paper money was printed with wood blocks. -
Feb 15, 900
Playing Cards
Printers used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. -
Feb 15, 1000
Flamethrower
Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire. -
Feb 13, 1300
Rocket Techlology
Rocket technology was developed in China during the Song dynasty. Rockets were powered by a black powder made of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. (military technology)
