Dbq China Silk

As Chinese culture evolved, so did the new technologies and inventions. These innovations have not only spread to nations all over the world but have made a significant impact. Ancient China's greatest discoveries still influence the world today.

Silk was China's main export until the 19th century. As early as 5000 B.C. silk was cultivated. Silk was so important to China, that to the Romans they were known as Serica or "Land of Silk". A series of trade routes, known as the Silk Road ran from northern China across Asia. On this road the export of fine silk cloth to Asia and Europe took route from the Shang Empire. In addition to silk trading on the Silk Road, Chinese merchants exported porcelain, lacquer ware, tea, and spices. These were luxury items that accumulated great fortunes for the Chinese merchants. Throughout the travels along the road many ideas were spread. In 1254-1324 Marco Polo traveled to China on the Silk Road. Marco Polo was an Italian Merchant, who is known for being one of the first Europeans to travel to China. When he returned to Italy he was imprisoned and captured by the Genoese. In jail he wrote his famous Travels of Marco Polo. The Travels of Marco Polo told the stories of his travels. This book made people interested in trading with China and led to the explorations of Columbus and other explorers. It also gave Europe the first look at wealth and the culture of the Chinese Empire. The Silk Road had a big impact on Europe because it led many ideas to spread across the globe. (Document 7)

In the third century AD, Chinese scientists had studied and learned much about magnetism in nature. They discovered that iron ore, called magnetite, aligns itself in a North/South position. The magnets align themselves into a North/Position because magnets face the North and South poles on earth. By heating the ore to high temperatures and then cooling it into a north/south position, scientists were able to create their own magnets. They then stuck it on a reed into a floating bowl of water to mark it with directional bearings. Chinese ships used these early compasses in the eleventh century AD. Without these compasses what we know today about the world would be very minimal. This is true because in the middle Ages explorers discovered the Western Hemisphere of the world using compasses. Several other explorers used compasses to discover new land that wouldn't have been discovered without the aid of a navigational device. The compass is a device used when traveling, without it people would not be able to travel to places accurately. In the past couple of centuries new designs of compasses in different countries have sprout up. The invention of the compass had traveled from China to the whole world. The effect the compass had worldwide was significant.

The advantages of discovering paper are vast. A Chinese legend presents the new invention of paper to the Emperor in 105 AD by Cai Lun. Chinese