The Chinese are responsible for some of the most significant and innovative inventions that still impact the world today. Four of the most important early Chinese inventions include gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass. These inventions are known as the Four Great Inventions of Ancient China.
Gunpowder
The discovery of gunpowder in ancient China was actually an accident. While scientists were attempting to discover an elixir that would grant them eternal life, they noticed that their strange mixture was extremely flammable. The discovery of gunpowder allowed for huge advantages within the Chinese military and put them ahead of their opponents. It quickly became the most used resource for warfare, and ultimately resulted in the success of the Chinese military. This early invention is used widely today in modern warfare, as well as for more domestic uses.
The discovery of gunpowder in ancient China was actually an accident. While scientists were attempting to discover an elixir that would grant them eternal life, they noticed that their strange mixture was extremely flammable. The discovery of gunpowder allowed for huge advantages within the Chinese military and put them ahead of their opponents. It quickly became the most used resource for warfare, and ultimately resulted in the success of the Chinese military. This early invention is used widely today in modern warfare, as well as for more domestic uses.
Paper
In 100 AD, during the Han Dynasty period, the need for record keeping and other forms of written communication arose. Interestingly enough, paper was also available for less important purposes, such as wrapping valuables and toilet paper. Yan Zhitui, a scholar from classical China, wrote: "Paper on which there are quotations or commentaries from Five Classics or the names of sages, I dare not use for toilet purposes." This just goes to show the wide variety of uses that early paper technology allowed for the Chinese to access.
In 100 AD, during the Han Dynasty period, the need for record keeping and other forms of written communication arose. Interestingly enough, paper was also available for less important purposes, such as wrapping valuables and toilet paper. Yan Zhitui, a scholar from classical China, wrote: "Paper on which there are quotations or commentaries from Five Classics or the names of sages, I dare not use for toilet purposes." This just goes to show the wide variety of uses that early paper technology allowed for the Chinese to access.
Printing
Shortly after paper became a part of everyday life for the classical Chinese people, technological advancements led them to the creation of the printing process. Originally, the printing process was much like using wooden stamps.
Shortly after paper became a part of everyday life for the classical Chinese people, technological advancements led them to the creation of the printing process. Originally, the printing process was much like using wooden stamps.
Compass
The compass is arguably one of the most unique inventions attributed to the Chinese. The compass was often used in the home to guide one to a certain path or decision, also known as Feng Shui, however, there were also more practical and modern-like uses of the early compass. As trade increased between China and its neighbors, the compass became a valuable tool for the navigational use of ships and other means of transporting goods.
The compass is arguably one of the most unique inventions attributed to the Chinese. The compass was often used in the home to guide one to a certain path or decision, also known as Feng Shui, however, there were also more practical and modern-like uses of the early compass. As trade increased between China and its neighbors, the compass became a valuable tool for the navigational use of ships and other means of transporting goods.
Additionally, the Chinese are also credited with early advancements regarding agriculture, domestication of animals, early medicinal technologies, and early means of transportation, including the wheel.