History Of Gunpowder
Gunpowder perhaps is the most important invention by mankind. It improved the way humans hunted for food, but it also changed the way wars were fought. On one hand, gunpowder was a boon, while on the other, it was destructive. Maybe we can say that depending on how gunpowder is used, it can be used for sustaining lives or for destroying them. Maybe life would have been very different if gunpowder was not invented. |
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The history of gunpowder goes back to ancient China, when alchemists were working hard to find the secret of eternal life. They were trying to discover an elixir that would make humans immortal. So, the invention of gunpowder was an accident. While trying to find the potion for eternal life, alchemists used a variety of ingredients. One of the most commonly used ingredients was saltpeter, or potassium nitrate. It is believed that in 850 AD when the Tang Dynasty was ruling China, one alchemist mixed saltpeter, charcoal and sulfur together in the ratio of 75:15:10. While this mixture did nothing to extend longevity, it was explosive. The mixture exploded with a loud bang and emitted smoke when it came in contact with fire. And, gunpowder was invented.
It is believed that the Chinese used the gunpowder primarily to make fireworks. However, this claim is incorrect, as the army during Song Dynasty used gunpowder to fight the Mongols. During their battles with the Mongols, the Chinese let loose burning arrows, which had gunpowder in the shafts. These burning arrows were like mini rockets and were capable of killing Mongol soldiers and their horses. In addition, the soldiers also used gunpowder to make hand grenades, flame throwers, poisonous gas shells and land mines.
Initially, the artillery used hollowed out bamboo shoots to make rocket-like weapons. However, soon the bamboo was replaced with metallic tubes. It is believed that the ancient Chinese soldiers from the Song Dynasty were using this weapon long before artillery weapons were made in Europe.
The ancient Chinese became worried that other nations would get to know their secrets of making gunpowder and would use the same to attack them. So, in the year 1076, the sale of saltpeter to foreigners was banned. However, nothing can be kept secret for too long. Slowly the story of this powder reached India, the Middle East and Europe by way of the silk route. In 1280, the recipe for gunpowder was made known in Europe and no longer was this powder a Chinese secret. And, the rest is history as to how the West used gunpowder to make weapons and how warfare changed altogether after this across the world.
More Articles :
About.com; Asian History: Invention Of Gunpowder
http://asianhistory.about.com/od/asianinventions/a/InventGunpowder.htm
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Today, people sport tattoos due to religious beliefs, as body decoration or just for fun. The history of tattoos reveals that this art form is going on from ancient times and initially, humans used tattoos as a form of self-scarification. They would make cuts on the skin then apply hot sticks from the fire to scar their bodies. Once the scars cooled, they would use a black substance to color the scars. These scars would help individuals identify which tribe they belonged to. 