Who invented the first gun?

Guns have been around for more than 1,000 years, affecting war and society at large in a way that perhaps no other invention can compare.

Once only considered a weapon of the military forces in the world, but now, guns are considered the property of people in many countries around the world. The story of this weapon originates in China around 850, when alchemists accidentally created gunpowder in the process of trying to develop the "spring of youth" . The resulting powder was then called huo yao , which was a blend of coal, saltpeter, and sulfur.

The Chinese quickly learned the powder they found could be used in war. Since the Song Dynasty, the Chinese have used gunpowder against the Mongols who invaded the country.

Scientists believe that China's fire lance was the first gun.

The Chinese attacked the Mongols with fire spears , or "flying fire". Originally, this weapon consisted of a tube (usually made of bamboo) containing gunpowder and a slow-burning match tied to a spear. When ignited, gunpowder explodes, releasing a stream of flame in the specified direction.

Later, more weapons made from gunpowder were perfected by the Chinese against the Mongols for the next several centuries, including cannons and grenades.

Gunpowder reached Europe in the 13th century, possibly via Silk Road trade routes. The countries of this continent processed gunpowder for the next centuries and eventually found the optimal mixture: 75% saltpeter, 15% charcoal and 10% sulfur.

By 1350, rudimentary gunpowder had become common in the British and French armies. The militaries of the two countries used these inventions during the Hundred Years' War against each other.

Over the next several centuries, new and improved cannons were designed, many of which were small and movable. Finally, hand cannons were developed in the early 15th century. This was the first personal firearm invented. The Ottoman army used this and other cannons during the siege of Constantinople in 1453. The new, more powerful weapons essentially made the traditional European walled fortifications a viable alternative. weaker and defenseless.

The handgun is considered the first personal firearm.

Historians generally consider China's fire lance as the first man's gun . But until the 15th century, guns were still very difficult to shoot, they needed both hands to hold and a wick to ignite.

The invention of the matchlock reduced the limitations of the gun. Its advantage is that it has a barrel, a stock and a sleeve so the user can put the stock on the shoulder, use the sight and fire at the same time. However, this invention and the introduction of the musket was just the beginning because it was still quite bulky, it could only fire once in 2 minutes.

Later, the gun was gradually improved, more compact and easier to use. It slowly replaces the old weapons because it saves a lot of time. It takes a lifetime of training to become a highly skilled swordsman or archer, but it only takes a few weeks or months of training to turn an ordinary person into a skilled sniper.