Notable Inventions of the 12th Century

Dates for inventions are often controversial. Inventions are often invented by several inventors around the same time, or may be invented in an impractical form many years before another inventor improves the invention into a practical form. Where there is ambiguity, the date of the first working version of the invention is used here.

c. 1100: Framed bead abacus in China

1100-1150: Torquetum: Jabir ibn Aflah (Geber)

1100-1161: Tracheotomy: Ibn Zuhr (Avenzoar) in Al-Andalus

1119: Watertight hull compartment: Zhu Yu in China

1121: Steelyard: Al-Khazini in Persia

1121: Hydrostatic balance: Al-Khazini

1126: Fire arrow: Li Gang in China

1126: Rocket: Li Gang in China

1128: Cannon in China

1135-1200: Linear astrolabe: Sharaf al-Dīn al-Tūsī in Persia

1150: Homing pigeons in Iraq and Syria

1154: Striking clock: Al-Kaysarani in Syria

1187: Counterweight trebuchet: Mardi bin Ali al-Tarsusi

1187: Mangonel: Mardi bin Ali al-Tarsusi

1190: Mariner's compass in Italy

Astrolabic quadrant in Egypt

Ventilator in Egypt

Bridge mill in Al-Andalus

Hydropowered forge in Al-Andalus

Finery forge in Al-Andalus

Central heating through underfloor pipes in Syria

Fireworks in China

Sunglasses in China

War machine in Turkey