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Period: 150 to Feb 12, 1400
CE
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200
Travel: Boat
The Chinese also made sea travel safer by improving boat
construction. By the 2nd century C.E., they started building
ships with separate, watertight compartments. -
250
Travel: Compass
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.Earth itself is like a giant magnet with north and south poles. -
Feb 17, 600
Travel: Paddlewheel boats
Paddlewheel boats were easy to maneuver, which made them
effective warships, perhaps starting as early as the 6th
century. -
Feb 12, 850
Military: Gunpowder
The Chinese who first made gunpowder were alchemists, people who practiced a blend of science and magic known as alchemy.Alchemists experimented with mixtures of natural ingredients, trying to find a substance that might allow people to live forever. -
Feb 12, 1092
Everyday Objects: Clock
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. -
Feb 12, 1107
Everyday Objects: Paper Money
Paper money was invented by the chinese in the late 8th century or the early 9th century. Before that time, coins were the only form of currency.Like game cards, paper money was printed with wood blocks. -
Feb 12, 1300
Everyday Objects: cards
Game cards were invented in China in the 9th century. Famous artists drew designs that appearedon the backs of the cards. -
Feb 12, 1300
Military: rocket technology
Rocket technology was developed in China during the Song dynasty.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. -
Feb 12, 1300
Military: Bombs
In the 13th century, the Chinese used large bombs that were as explosive as modern bombs.Around the same time, they developed weapons much like today’s rifles and cannons.
