Five Famous Ancient Chinese Inventions

Paper Money

Paper money was invented in the Yuan dynasty. The Yuan dynasty used only paper money. This lead to problems. China did not have enough paper money for all of China so the authorities let anyone print money. This lead to mass inflation. Soon after the Yuan dynasty the Ming dynasty took power. The Ming dynasty stopped most trade in China and most paper money.

Gun Powder

In the 9^th century Chinese alchemists were working on an “elixir of immortality”. Instead they discovered gunpowder. The first proof that China had invented an explosive powder (gunpowder) was in the mid 800s when a passage in Zhenyuan miaodao yaolüe (Taoism text) stated that alchemists working on gunpowder had their face and hands burned during an explosion of the powder. Around 1044 AD the ancient Chinese learned how to use gunpowder in the military. The Chinese invented bombs used in combat. Early guns were used around the 13^th century. These guns shot shrapnel as well as flame.

Seismograph

The seismograph was invented by a famous Chinese inventor Zhang Heng in 132 AD. The first seismograph was a large bronze vessel (2m diameter). There were eight dragons on the side of this vessel with bronze balls in their mouths. When there was an earthquake a dragons mouth would open and the ball would fall into the mouth of a bronze toad indicating the direction of the earthquake. In 143 AD this invention managed to detect an earthquake that was not felt by people.

Repeating Crossbow

The repeating crossbow was a very intelligent idea as it saved a lot of time in battle. It was invented around 1064 BC in the Zough Dynasty. The simple design made it easy to reload and make. It is claimed to be invented by strategist Zhuge Liang. The last time the repeating crossbow was used in battle was as late as 1895. From the time it was invented the design has barely changed.

Fireworks

Fireworks in ancient China were created to scare away evil spirits and to bring people happiness and prosperity. Making fireworks became a profession and was highly respected for the knowledge in making beautiful fireworks. Fireworks might have lead to the Chinese creating military rockets around 1264. These days fireworks are lit all over the world to celebrate new year and other events.