Chinese inventions

COMPASS

250

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

WATER TIGHT COPARTMENTS

250

By the 2nd century C.E., they started building
ships with separate, watertight compartments.

PADDLE WHEEL

450

Within China, people often traveled by boat on rivers or
across lakes. An innovation of a vessel called a paddlewheel boat made this type of travel must faster.

PAPER MONEY

Jan 1, 750

Paper money was invented by the Chinese in the late 8th or early 9th century. Before that time, coins were the only
form of currency.

MECHANICAL CLOCK

Jan 1, 750

The Chinese developed the first mechanical clock in about the 8th
century. The new clock was more accurate than earlier timekeeping devices, such as sundials and hourglasses.

GUNPOWDER

Jan 1, 850

Accidentally discovered by alchemists working with saltpeter looking for the secret to eternal life. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY

PLAYING CARDS

Jan 1, 850

Game cards were invented in China in about the 9th century. Printers used
woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper.

FLAME THROWER

Jan 1, 950

By the 10th century, the Chinese had made the first weapon that used gunpowder, the flamethrower. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY

ROCKET

Jan 1, 1300

Rocket technology was developed in China during the Song dynasty. Rockets were powered a black powder made of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur.