by David Aaron White

Created on: May 29, 2011   Last Updated: May 30, 2011

Gunpowder, also known as Black Powder, was first used in China during the Song Dynasty in the year 1044; it was developed by Chinese alchemists who were attempting to create the legendary elixir of immortality. This early form of gunpowder used heavy concentrations of nitrate; of course, these nitrate levels had to be high enough to break the cast iron and ceramic containers that were used as the grenade housing devices. The Chinese used gunpowder to attack enemy soldiers from long range; additionally, these gunpowder-based grenades could break wooden beams and pillars, making them effective for attacking enemy fortresses.

The Islamic world developed its own gunpowder devices around 1260, after the Chinese, by use of cannons and trebuchet-like devices that tossed gunpowder grenades at their enemies. One theory suggests that the Mongol invasion spurred the used of gunpowder in the Islamic world, seeing as the first Arab riflemen came into being right after a Mongol attack in 1260. At some point during the 14th century, Arabs developed firearms, capable of launching rockets, stones, and other projectiles that were probably based off of Chinese designs due to similarities in their compositions.

The Mongol invasion may have brought gunpowder to Europe in the 13th century. European scientists recorded written recipes of gunpowder as early as 1280, yet they had used gunpowder in 1262, during the siege of Niebla; witnesses to the battle claimed to have seen a primitive gun in use against the Spanish forces involved. About 60 years later, more reports surfaced of firearms: on February 11th, 1326, the Signoria of Florence commissioned two officers to use “canones de mettallo” (which are probably metal cannons) for the city’s defensive needs. Additionally, French militants in Southampton used about 3 pounds of gunpowder while sacking the city in 1338; in 1346, the Battle of Crécy saw one of the first uses of cannons in European battle.

Surprisingly, the advent of gunpowder was feared, not just by the soldiers facing down musketeers and cannon barrels, but by religious authorities as well, particularly in the Catholic Church. Due to its seemingly “magical” explosive properties, gunpowder was considered by some to be Black Magic and therefore irreverent to use in combat, no matter the purpose. Still, by the 14th century, the Catholic Church seemed to have reconciled its issues with gunpowder, as the Pope’s army was protected by gunpowder-fueled artillery.

The chemistry of gunpowder also changed around the 14th century, having liquid added to it to make it a safer substance to handle during production. By the 17th century, gunpowder became a critical unit of destruction in Europe, India, and Persia, and lasted as the dominant explosive fuel through Napoleon’s bloody European campaign. Gunpowder became a form of entertainment in Europe also, as fireworks (fueled by gunpowder, of course) became popular at outdoor events. Military tradesmen became entertainers as well, creating fireworks, in addition to gunpowder bombs, for harmless purposes.

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