Four great inventions in ancient times

The four great inventions in ancient times refer to papermaking, compass, gunpowder and printing.

1, papermaking

Papermaking is one of the most important inventions in ancient China. The earliest papermaking can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty, but in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cai Lun improved papermaking technology and invented papermaking in the modern sense. This invention greatly promoted the cultural exchange and knowledge dissemination between China and the world.

2. Compass

The compass is also one of the great inventions of ancient China. The earliest recorded Sina originated in the Warring States period, but its actual age is unknown. Although the compass was not originally used for navigation, but for geomantic omen and divination, it was widely used for maritime navigation and exploration after the Song Dynasty.

3, gunpowder

Gunpowder is another important invention in ancient China. The earliest gunpowder appeared in the Tang Dynasty, but its actual inventor and age are unknown. Gunpowder was originally used to make fireworks and festive supplies, but with the passage of time, gunpowder began to be used in military and war and became a revolutionary weapon at that time.

Step 4 print

Printing is a great invention of China in ancient times and a milestone in the history of printing in the world. The earliest block printing appeared in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, but it was not until the Northern Song Dynasty that the emergence of movable type printing truly achieved a revolutionary leap in printing. This invention has greatly promoted the cultural development and knowledge dissemination in China and the world.

The Historical Significance of the Four Great Inventions

The four great inventions are a series of glorious footprints left by China's ancient ancestors to the world, and they are symbols of great contributions made by human civilization and progress. The four great inventions greatly promoted the development of politics, economy and culture in ancient China, spread to the west through various channels, and had a great impact on the history of world civilization.

The invention of papermaking provided economical and convenient writing materials for human beings and set off a revolution of human writing carrier; Engraving printing has greatly promoted the spread of culture; Compass provides conditions for European navigators' navigation activities; The use of gunpowder weapons changed the way of fighting, helped the European bourgeoisie destroy feudal fortresses and accelerated the historical process in Europe.

The above contents refer to Baidu Encyclopedia-Four Great Inventions.