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| Fireworks - a Chinese invention! |
Did you know the Chinese were great inventors, including gunpowder, fireworks, and the bristled toothbrush? Many of today's modern inventions are merely copies or improvements to early Chinese creativity! Three dynasties (periods of rule by one or more families) enabled China to become one of the most advanced places on earth. As great as they were, China was conquered by a fearsome warrior named Genghis Khan and his armies of Mongol warriors.
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| The Great Wall of China |
During these three dynasties (Sui, Tang, and Song), China made many advancements in agriculture, art, architecture, and they were also greatly influenced by Buddhism, which came to China from India. Confucius, an early Chinese philosopher, taught Chinese values that influenced later governments (so much so that people had to take tests on Confucianism to work in the government).
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| Chinese Exploration |
The invasion of the Mongols from northern Asia finally succeeded in toppling the Song dynasty, and for the first time, China was ruled by outsiders. After the Chinese overthrew the Mongols and restored Chinese rule, Chinese sailors explored much of the Indian Ocean, visiting as far as Africa exchanging gifts, and then suddenly, closed its doors to the outside world. This policy, known as isolationism, put the Chinese far behind in technological advancements. As a result, the Chinese had lost its place as the leader of technology and innovation.
