Gunpowder

Military850-1044 ADUnknown (Chinese alchemists)China

InventorUnknown (Chinese alchemists)

Year850-1044 AD

CategoryMilitary

OriginChina

About Gunpowder

Accidentally invented by alchemists seeking an elixir of immortality. The formula was first recorded in 1044 AD. Reached Europe by the 13th century via the Silk Road. Transformed warfare from medieval sieges to gun-based combat. The irony: a quest for eternal life created the means to end it faster.

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