Ancient China: Ancient China: Masters of the Wind and Waves

Synopsis

Twenty-five hundred years before modern air travel the ancient Chinese had learned the complicated principles of fluid and aerodynamics. The notion of "hard air" (air pressure) was understood by Taoist monks thousands of years ago and according to some accounts they were actually able to parasail from mountain to mountain. Host Michael Guillen demonstrates how the ancient Chinese paper and silk making skills allowed them to make lighter than air objects and see how this knowledge let them to sail into the wind and uncover a number of maritime innovations.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of production

2006

Subjects

Archaeology; Aviation; Technology

Keywords

aerodynamics; ancient civilisations; China; fluid mechanics; history of China; history of technology

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 1 NTSC

Price

$24.95

Availability

Sale

Year

2011

Production Company

Name

History Channel

Notes

See: IMC Vision Ltd and Quantum Leap.

Distributor

Name

History Channel Shop

Web

http://shop.history.com/info.php External site opens in new window