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.
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Gunpowder or black powder is of great historical importance in chemistry. Although it can explode, its principal use is as a propellant. Gunpowder was invented by Chinese alchemists in the 9th century.Originally, it was made by mixing elemental sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate).y Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Gunpowder or black powder is of great historical importance in chemistry. Although it can explode, its principal use is as a propellant. Gunpowder was invented by Chinese alchemists in the 9th century.
Gun Timeline. Historical timeline of the development of modern weapons starting at 1364 with the first recorded use of a firearm and ending in 1892 with the introduction of automatic handguns. 1364 - First recorded use of a firearm. 1380 - Hand guns are known across Europe. 1400s - The matchlock gun appears. Before the matchlock, guns were fired by holding a burning wick to a touch hole in the barrel igniting the powder inside. A shooter uses one hand for firing, and a prop to steady the gun.The first device, or lock, for mechanically firing a gun is the matchlock.