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History of Kites
It is thought that kites started being flown in China over two thousand years ago. The earliest written account of kite flying was in about 200 B.C. when the Chinese General flew a kite over the walls of a city he was attacking to measure how far his army would have to tunnel to reach past the defenses. Knowing this distance his troops reached the inside of the city, surprised their enemy, and were victorious. Kite flying was eventually spread by traders from China to Korea, and across Asia to India. Kites were brought to Japan around the 7th century by Buddhist monks. They were used to prevent evil spirits and to protect rich harvests. Late kite flying became a pastime for people there in Japan. In the 18th and 19th centuries, kites were used as tools for scientific research. Men like Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Wilson used their knowledge of kite flying to learn more about the wind and weather. The last 50 years has seen renewed interest in kiting. New materials like ripstop nylon, fiberglass, and carbon graphite have made kites stronger, lighter, more colorful, and more durable. People of all ages love flying kites.
This would have never been possible without:
http://www.gombergkites.com/nkm/hist1.html
This would have never been possible without:
http://www.gombergkites.com/nkm/hist1.html