Science and Technology

Key Ideas

• Major inventions included early paper, the seismograph, improved water clocks, and water-powered machinery such as waterwheels.
• Advances in astronomy, mathematics (including early negative numbers), cartography, and medicine contributed to the dynasty’s reputation as a technological “golden age.”

Inventions and Scientific Tools

During the Han dynasty, many important inventions and scientific discoveries were made that helped people live better lives. One of the most famous inventions was paper, created around 105 CE by Cai Lun. Paper made writing easier and cheaper than using bamboo or silk.

The Han also invented the seismometer, a device that could detect earthquakes and show the direction they came from. This helped the government respond to natural disasters more quickly and understand where earthquakes were happening.

Engineering, Farming, and Energy

The Han improved farming tools like the plow, which now had three blades and was easier to use. These better tools helped farmers grow more food to support the growing population.

They invented the wheelbarrow to move heavy loads more easily and used waterwheels to power machines such as grain crushers and bellows for furnaces. These water-powered machines saved labor and increased production.

Deep drilling techniques were developed to bring up saltwater and natural gas. The natural gas was used as a fuel, showing how advanced Han engineering had become.

Astronomy, Mathematics, and Medicine

In astronomy, the Han created water clocks and sundials to measure time more accurately. They also made better maps using a grid system, which improved navigation and planning.

Han mathematicians worked with negative numbers, square roots, and better ways to estimate pi. These advances helped with engineering, construction, and astronomy.

Medicine improved with the use of herbal remedies and acupuncture, a treatment that used thin needles to help balance the body and treat illnesses.

All these scientific and technological advances helped make the Han dynasty one of the most advanced and successful periods in ancient China, influencing many generations after them.

Video: The Invention of Paper

Watch this video to learn more about how paper was invented in China and why it was such an important breakthrough.