Many of the inventions attributed to the West were actually first invented in China and later modified or refined by Western powers after the invention made its way from China. Important discoveries such as paper, moveable type printing, gunpowder, and the mechanical clock all have had immense influence on modern life and originated in China. It is important to understand ourselves by looking to the past and seeing where these inventions came from and how they made their way to common use by us. This is especially true in an ever increasing global outlook to realize that other cultures have had a profound effect upon our own.

1. Tang & Song China
Golden Ages

2. Two Great Dynasties in China
 During
the Tang (618907) and Song (960-1279)
dynasties, China becomes
the richest, most
powerful, and most
advanced country in the
world.

3.  Main
Idea:
Tang and Song China
experienced an era of
prosperity and
technological
innovation.
 Why
it Matters Now:
Chinese inventions
from this period, such
as printing, gunpowder,
and the compass,
changed history.

6.  The
Tang Dynasty World
View:
 west
along the Silk Road
 The
Song Dynasty World
View:
 looks
east towards the sea

7. Trade/Foreign Contacts
 Silk
Road
 west;
Tang Dynasty

8. Trade/Foreign Contacts
 Silk
Road
 west;
Tang Dynasty
 east,
Song Dynasty
 ocean
ships
Korea
Japan
India
Persian
Gulf
east Africa

9. Agriculture
 imported
fastripening rice from
Vietnam called
“Champa Rice”

10. Agriculture
 imported
fastripening rice from
Vietnam - Champa
 allowed two crops
each season instead
of one

11. Agriculture
 imported
fastripening rice from
Vietnam - Champa
 allowed two crops
each season instead
of one
 fueled population
increase

12. Science and Technology
 mathematics
flourished

13. Science and Technology
 mathematics
flourished
 adopted the use of
algebra and the concept
of zero and negative
numbers

14. Science and Technology
 mathematics
flourished
 adopted the use of
algebra and the concept
of zero and negative
numbers
 invented movable type

15. Science and Technology
 mathematics
flourished
 adopted the use of
algebra and the concept
of zero and negative
numbers
 invented movable type
 developed gunpowder

16. Toilet Paper
Although developed around 600 CE, it was only
available at first to nobility and the elites. During
the Tang Dynasty it became widespread. How
different the world and your lives would be
without it!

17. Porcelain
Commonly now preferred
to as “China”. Made of
special white clay found
only in China.

18. Mechanical
Clock
Early 700s Chinese
developed clocks run by
water that kept
accurate time.
Technology and concept
of mechanical clock
found its way to Europe
where it was improved
upon.

19. Printing
In 700s block printing
was invented in which
entire sheet was
carved on a single block
of wood and whole page
was printed.
In 1000s moveable type
printing invented in
which individual
characters could be
moved around and
reused.

20. Gunpowder
Invented
in 800s as an immortality potion
Used 1st in fireworks & then rockets & guns

21. Uses of Gunpowder
Fireworks
Weapons
Gunpowder took about 300 years to reach Europe
First used as a weapon against the Mongols as a
simple gun that took 2 people to shoot

22. Paper Money
Song Dynasty first in world to adopt paper
currency instead of coin.

23. Magnetic Compass
Adapted for Navigation
Magnetic compass
had existed for
centuries, but Song
Dynasty began to
use it to guide
their fleets.
Allowed ships to
move far from land
and travel further
safely.

24. Tang & Song Inventions

25. The Tang and Song Dynasties Compared
Tang Only
Expanded the
empire,
had a female
ruler,
adopted
Buddhism
Both
Prospered
through trade,
improved
agriculture,
created great
technological
advances
Song Only
Ruled smaller
empire,
developed into
great sea power,
reinstituted
Confucianism