South Pointing Chariot

     Invented in China between the first and third centuries, A.D., the South Pointing Chariot is one of the most complex mechanisms of the ancient world.

     Due to the action of Differential Gearing, the figure on top always points in the same direction regardless of which way the chariot is pulled, pushed or turned.

The Chinese used the chariot in ceremonial processions with the figure pointing South, hence the name South Pointing Chariot.

Click on any picture for a larger view. Use your browser's "back" button to return to this page.

W5t.jpg (6656 bytes) w4t.jpg (6510 bytes) W23t.jpg (7331 bytes)
Star Wars fans will recognize this figure as being from a galaxy far, far away, a long, long time ago!
w2t.JPG (7559 bytes) w3t.jpg (8568 bytes)
The gears are made from 1/8 " dia. dowels with 12 teeth on a 1 " Bolt circle.
w1t.jpg (7767 bytes)
w8t.jpg (6950 bytes)

The original full size Chariot and the model you see here both required great precision to construct. The Chinese were not only clever enough to invent the concept of differential gearing but they had the craftsmanship to fabricate accurate gears using primitive hand tools.