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150
Idustry- Paper
The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. Later, the Chinese used rags. -
Period: 150 to Feb 12, 1400
ce
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250
Exploration and Travel- Compass
The first Chinese compasses were pieces of magnetic mineral called lodestone. -
450
Exploration and Travel- Boat Travel
Within China, people often traveled by boat on rivers or across lakes. An inovation of a vessel called a paddlewheel boat made this type of travel much faster. -
May 26, 618
Exploration and Travel- Arched Bridge
The new Chinese bridge used arches that were a smaller part, or segment, of a circle. -
Feb 17, 650
Industry- Printing
The Chinese invented a technique called woodblock
printing. The printer first drew symbols on paper. He then glued the paper to a wooden block. When the glue was dry, the printer carved out the wood around the characters, leaving the characters raised on the wood. -
Mar 20, 850
Military- Gunpowder
Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder by accident. -
Nov 30, 950
Military- Flamethrower
Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire. -
Aug 3, 1300
Military- Rocket Technology
Rockets werepowered 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. -
Industry- Porcelain
Porcelain is made by combining clay with the minerals quartz and feldspar. The mixture is baked in a kiln, or pottery oven, at very high temperatures. The resulting pottery is white, hard, and waterproof.
