WHI-Chap15-Obj7

Describe the achievements and shortcomings of the Song Dynasty.

The Song dynasty (960-1279 C.E.), although lacking militaristic skill, benefited from several agricultural, technological, technological, industrial and commercial developments. They produced fast-ripening rice, which resulted in an increased food supply, population growth, and urbanization. They also produced high quality porcelain, also known as chinaware, which could be used as an aesthetically appealing utensil and sometimes even a work of art. The porcelain was also in high demand in other parts of Eurasia, so it helped the Song dynasty econimically. Song craftsmen improved metallurgical technologies, especially with iron and steel, and they made sophisticated weapons and agricultural tools. They also improved the use of gunpowder, discovered by Daoist chemists in the Tang dynasty; by the beginning of the Song dynasty military officials were using fire lances, a type of flame thrower, and by the 11th century they were using primitive bombs.