Ancient China is one of the oldest and most developed civilizations in the history of mankind, which influenced the formation of the culture of the entire Asian region. The ancient Chinese were ahead of time in many respects by their achievements and discoveries, and some experienced scientists still cannot unravel some secrets.

We offer a selection of the most interesting and unusual facts about Ancient China that will surely interest you.

The Chinese were one of the founders of football

The sport that collects thousands of fans in stadiums was originally not invented by the May Indians and the Egyptians, and it was the ancient Chinese. The latter, as it turned out, drove the ball around the court in the first millennium BC (205). So, when the Han Dynasty ruled, the population participated in the game “chu ke” (“chu” means kicking, and “ke” - leather stuffed ball) - the prototype of modern football.

Ponytail Hairstyle for Men

During the Qing Empire (when China was captured by the Manchus), all men were required to collect hair in the popular ponytail hairstyle. Failure to comply could result in execution. This was probably done in order to successfully distinguish the Chinese from the Manchus who tied their hair in a low tail.

Rich eunuchs

Unlike other states, working as a eunuch in Ancient China and even at the emperor’s palace was the hallmark of a comfortable old age. For this reason, many poor parents made their sons eunuchs after birth,to secure life-long maintenance.

Chinese medicine

There are many references to ancient Chinese medical technologies and techniques. So, for example, scientists learned about the circulatory system in the 2nd century BC. e., while European healers comprehended this knowledge only by the 17th century.

The wonders of cooking

The favorite delicacy in ancient China was considered far from rice with vegetables, but mushrooms! It turns out that this product was introduced into the diet more than 3 thousand years ago and was considered an expensive delicacy.

They also say that the ancient Chinese came up with ice cream. There is a legend that a local resident accidentally left a mixture of milk and rice in the cold, and when he remembered the dish, it was too late - it froze. But the zealous owner did not throw away the product, tasted it and found it extremely delicious. That is, the prototype of the modern "popsicle" appeared in China about 4 thousand years ago.

Symbols of the ancient Chinese

The famous fire-breathing colorful dragon is a symbol of all festivals and holidays in the modern state. The fact is that the Chinese have long considered dragons to be carriers of good and positive energy, promising wealth and prosperity.

Also in ancient China, birds were revered, endowing different species with magical properties. The crane always symbolized a long life, the phoenix marked imperial power and power, and the duck acted as a symbol of family happiness and fidelity. Images of birds adorned the walls of houses, clothes and utensils, believing that the icons would bring happiness to the owner.

By the way, other flying creatures, for example, bats, symbolized luck. Still find images of these mammals on household items and jewelry.

Useful inventions

It was the ancient Chinese who invented toilet paper, however, other civilizations did not appreciate the discoveries, considering the process of using paper unhygienic. Sensitive Europeans at that time preferred to use water every time after going to the toilet.

This civilization came up with the first lunar calendar on the planet, and it happened in the 2000s BC It included 12 zodiac signs, and the duration of the cycle was equated to 60 years.

Another ancient invention was a kite (3 thousand years ago), which was intended not to play with children, but to intimidate the enemy during hostilities.

Silk was also invented by the Chinese. Once the Empress walked in the garden and drank tea, and a beetle, a silkworm, fell in her mug. The woman noticed a thin thread on the surface of the tea and immediately decided to explore a new valuable material.

Ancient Chinese came up with varnish, mixing special compositions for opening wooden surfaces and protecting shoes from getting wet.

An invention of the Chinese is the suspension bridge - the first copy is dated 25 BC. e.

How little we know about ancient civilizations, which for one reason or another have sunk into oblivion. Many valuable and unique knowledge has been lost, and we have to comprehend the nature of life from scratch. We hope our article was useful to you - there is still a lot of interesting things ahead!