Revealing the ancient invention that helped detect earthquakes from a distance of the Han Dynasty

The Han Dynasty's 'Houfeng Didongyi' device was capable of detecting earthquakes from a distance, reflecting its great technical level and historical significance.

A famous invention in human history is called "Hou Phong Dia Dong Dich". This is a device to observe the direction and vibration of the ground. This invention was created by inventor Truong Hanh who lived during the Han Dynasty. Photo: ETP.

"Hou Phong Dia Dong Dich" was designed by Truong Hanh to resemble a large bronze vase. The device is about 1m high, 1.8m in diameter and decorated with 8 dragon heads around it. Photo: creation.com.

These dragon heads face eight different directions, representing the directions: north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest. Each dragon head bends over a toad with its mouth open. Photo: Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Inside the "Hou Phong Dia Dong Dich" is a pendulum-like mechanism or a weighted metal ball connected to a central pillar or rod. Photo: Science & Society Picture Library via Endgadget.

When an earthquake occurs, the pendulum will detect subtle vibrations or shock waves. At that time, one of the dragon heads will drop a metal ball into the mouth of the corresponding toad below. Photo: Science & Society Picture Library via Endgadget.

This allows people to detect the direction of an earthquake, even if the tremors are not felt locally. Photo: Beijing Times/IC.

According to some ancient records, "Hou Feng Di Dong Yi" once recorded an earthquake that occurred in Gansu province, more than 600 km from the capital city of Luoyang. Photo: seismoscope.allshookup.org.

At that time, earthquakes were not only a natural phenomenon but also considered bad omens, including the decline of the emperor's power. Photo: SSPL/Getty Images.

Therefore, the royal court attached great importance to the early detection of earthquakes in order to have solutions to respond to natural disasters as well as ensure the emperor's authority. Photo: wikimedia commons.

Readers are invited to watch the video: Behind the success of scientists . Source: VTV24.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/he-lo-phat-minh-co-dai-giup-phat-hien-dong-dat-tu-xa-cua-nha-han-post2149042066.html