Final answer:
The four great Chinese inventions include papermaking, gunpowder, printing, and the compass.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historically, the four great Chinese inventions are:
- Papermaking: The invention of papermaking revolutionized the way information was recorded and disseminated. Chinese scholar Cai Lun is credited with inventing paper around 105 AD.
- Gunpowder: Developed in the 9th century, gunpowder had a significant impact on warfare and later led to the invention of fireworks and other explosives.
- Printing: The Chinese invented various printing techniques, including block printing and movable type. These innovations revolutionized the spread of knowledge and literature.
- Compass: The Chinese developed the compass, an instrument used for navigation, during the Han Dynasty (2nd century BC). It greatly facilitated maritime exploration and trade.
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