I keep watching the history channel and am never ceased to be amazed by what I can learn about Chinese history and its technological prowess in ancient times.

The latest one is about how the Chinese fought unique naval fights along the major rivers (as there were no major sea enemies) by building huge battle ships. So huge, that the Chinese built floating military fortresses called tower ships that allowed the invading army a fortress that would not have to be built in hostile terrain or in terrain without a lot of timber.

Therefore as a way to counter these huge ships the Chinese actually built mines in the water, included mines that could be detonated by someone on land through electrical wire or timed them as well, a thousand years before the West re-developed the idea.

Moral of the story: Never underestimate the ingenuity of the Chinese.