jan 1, 142 - Gunpowder

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A Taoist Alchemist by the name of Wei Boyang describes in his writings (c. 142 AD) a mixture of three powders that would "fly and dance" violently. this is believed to be the first instance of gunpowder being described. Taoist alchemists would continue to develop gunpowder technology and their teachings would be used to create weapons of war such as explosive arrows, gunpowder propelled rockets, grenades, and a primitive firearm called a fire lance.

In 1970, a bronze hand-cannon was found in Heilongjiang. The cannon was dated back to 1288 and is believed to be the first true gun in human history.

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