Our Debt to Ancient China

By AnnaSchukin2
  • 1600 BCE

    Books

    Books
    The first books were made on bamboo sticks and date back to the Shang Dynasty.
  • 1600 BCE

    Writing on oracle bones

    Writing on oracle bones
    The first writing on oracle bones
  • 221 BCE

    The Wheelbarrow

    The Wheelbarrow
    The wheelbarrow enabled a single person to carry a heavy load and was called 'the wooden ox' in Chinese.
  • 100

    Magnetic Compass

    Magnetic Compass
    The first magnetic compass was made in ancient China, using a lode-stone. Some historians, however, believe Chinese compasses may date back to the Han Dynasty.
  • 105

    Paper-making

    Paper-making
    Paper-making was perfected in AD 105.
  • 130

    Siesmograph

    Siesmograph
    The seismograph was used for measuring the strength of earthquakes.
  • 900

    Fireworks

    Fireworks
    Gun powder was first used for fireworks.
  • 1001

    Paper Money

    Paper Money
    The world's first paper money was produced by the Chinese in the 11th century.
  • 1026

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture
    Acupuncture statuettes showing all the needle points in the human body were first produces in AD 1026. The same statuettes are still used today.

  • Kites

    Kites
    Kites became a favourite pass-time in China