Kites to Hang Gliders
风筝
Kites
The invention of the kite begins with materials such as silk and bamboo, with these resources readily available for access in these times kites were almost commodity. They were essentially used for forms of messaging, measuring distance, testing the wind, signaling, and communication of military operations.
Early invention of the Kite.
The earliest known kites were flat and often rectangular. Kites were usually painted with mythological motifs and legendary figures, some had whistles and strings to make sounds while they were flying.
Kites travel to Europe and the Western World.
Kites eventually made there way to Europe in the late 13th century, and used by famous renowned merchant traveler Marco Polo. Later, in 1750 Benjamin Franklin used it as a device to test his theory that lighting was caused by electricity. As well as the Wright Brothers used the kite as a guideline measure for developing their first airplane.
Advancements of the Kite (Hang Gliders)
Over time the kite evolved from its boring rectangular shaped into para-foil kite which facilitated the advancement of the kite unto hang gliding. Hang gliding in ancient times was originally used for the emperors enjoyment as he or she would watch their enemies and criminals jump off a cliff to their death. It was actually invented as an accident when someone mistakenly built a kite without strings to see what would happen.
Summary
Kites got to Europe in the late 13th century, and used by famous renowned merchant traveler Marco Polo. It took so long because Marco Polo was the first person to bring a kite back to Europe. People in the West often credit Chinese inventions to Europeans. This is because Europeans were first to have contact with Westerners.
The most important thing we learned from this lesson was that Chinese inventions are important in our everyday lives. Today, many Chinese inventions have greatly advanced into other devices we use daily.