By Admin 
Gun Invention: Whenever we think of guns, images of medieval Europe and modern warfare often come to mind. But the real birthplace of guns is far to the east. Long before the introduction of muskets and cannons in Europe, China had already laid the foundation of gun technology. Let us know how the gun was invented.
China and the birth of gunpowder
The gun was invented in China and its origins can be traced back to the ninth century. Taoist alchemists, while searching for the elixir of immortality, accidentally discovered gunpowder by mixing sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. Instead of immortal life, he invented one of the most powerful substances in human history. This discovery soon started being used militaryly.
world’s first gun
Chinese engineers developed the fire lance between the 10th and 12th centuries. It is considered to be the world’s first gun-like weapon. It consisted of a bamboo or metal tube which was attached to the end of the spear. When it was burnt, it produced flames, smoke and sometimes pieces of clay, metal bullets or sharp pieces like arrows.
first battlefield use
The earliest recorded military use of the gun is during the siege of Deon in 1132 AD. At this time, Song Dynasty soldiers used guns against Jurchen attackers who came from the north. According to records, about 20 such weapons were deployed during the battle.
Rise of the Advanced Gun
By the end of the 13th century, Chinese weapons had evolved from fire lances to true muskets with metal barrels and projectiles designed to fit into bores from around the world. The Heilongjiang Hand Cannon, which dates back to around 1288 AD, is believed to be the oldest surviving gun in the world.
How did guns spread to the rest of the world?
Guns began to spread around the world when the Mongol Empire expanded into parts of Asia, the Middle East and Europe in the 13th century. Gun technology spread westward along trade routes and military campaigns. Over time, these early Chinese inventions evolved into cannon, musket, and eventually modern guns.
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