Later Zhao Carriage Technology
Revised 3/9/2012
According to renowned Sinologist Joseph Needham in Science and Civilization in China [1954-2008…] the technologies required to create the carriage and mechanical complications depicted were available in China at the time of its fabrication. The following is a brief list of relevant technologies and the dates they were initially utilised:
Ball Bearings – 2nd Century BC
Belt Drive – 5th Century BC
Malleable Cast Iron – 4th Century BC
Gear Wheels – AD 50
Chain Pump – AD 184
The famous mechanical South Pointing Carriage was created in AD 184.
By Peter Martin
Last edited on March 20, 2012