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Period: 300 BCE to 1400
Chinese History
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250 BCE
Compasss
The Chinese developed the first compass as early as the 3rd century BCE. The first Chinese compasses were pieces of a magnetic mineral called lodestone. -
150 BCE
Steel
The Chinese first made steel before 200 BCE. The earliest Chinese steel was made from cast iron. They learned how to make this by melting and then molding iron ore. -
50
Porcelain
Historians believe that the Chinese started making porcelain as early as the first century CE, but later in the 1st century BC, they made porcelain of great beauty. -
150
Paper
The Chinese invented paper in the 2nd century CE. The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and bark from mulberry trees. -
650
Woodblock Printing
In the 7th century, the Chinese invented a a technique called woodblock printing. The process of this was to first draw the design on paper, then glue it to a woodblock, and then the carver would carve out the wood in that same design. Lastly, the painter covered the woodblock in black ink and that was how they printed. -
750
Mechanical Clock
The Chinese developed the first mechanical clock around the 8th century,so anywhere between 701-800 AD. The Chinese made a wheel that would make a complete turn every 24 hours. Dripping water made the wheel turn. Ever quarter hour, a drums would beat, every hour, a bell would chime. This would let the Chinese know what time it is. -
790
Paper Money
Paper money was invented by the Chinese in the late 8th century or the early 9th century. Like game cards, paper money was also printed with wood blocks. -
850
Gunpowder
Gunpowder was accidentally invented by alchemists who were trying to find the secret of eternal life. -
850
Game Cards
Game cards were made in China in the 9th century. They were made from woodblock printing. Famous artists would then draw designs that would appear on the back of the cards.
