Origins of Gunpowder

Gunpowder, a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter, was likely discovered by a Chinese alchemist in the first century. The earliest written mention dates back to an Eastern Han dynasty text, which hints at its explosive potential. By the 10th century, during the Song dynasty, gunpowder began to see practical applications, marking a significant shift in its use from a mere novelty to a critical component of warfare.