28 Responses to The Real Origin of Viking Raids. 1  Well done! 2  Thank you for this article. 3  The shutting of the ancient trade routes to Rome and the East by the Holy Roman Empire was the principle reason that the Rus trade routes down the Volga were established. 4  Pingback: Daily Stuff 5-20-13 MjÃ¶lnir | Ancient Light's Daily Stuff.
Gunpowder was the first physical explosive and propellant. Prior to its invention, many incendiary and burning devices had been used, including Greek fire. The invention of gunpowder is usually attributed to Chinese alchemy, and is popularly listed as one of the .Four Great Inventions  of China.It was invented during the Tang Dynasty (9th century), and the earliest record of a written formula appeared in the Song Dynasty (11th century).Knowledge of gunpowder spread throughout the Old World as a result of the Mongol conquests of the 13th century.t was invented during the Tang Dynasty (9th century), and the earliest record of a written formula appeared in the Song Dynasty (11th century). Knowledge of gunpowder spread throughout the Old World as a result of the Mongol conquests of the 13th century.
1769 James Watt improves the steam engine. James Watt from Scotland designs a more efficient steam engine. One of the most important inventions of the Industrial Revolution, steam engines power the first trains, steamboats, and factories.1794 Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin. Eli Whitney creates a machine that makes it much easier to separate cotton seeds from cotton fiber.ames Watt improves the steam engine. James Watt from Scotland designs a more efficient steam engine. One of the most important inventions of the Industrial Revolution, steam engines power the first trains, steamboats, and factories.