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