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.
The Watt steam engine, a major driver in the industrial revolution, underscores the importance of engineering in modern history. This model is on display at the main building of the ETSIIM in Madrid, Spain. The concept of engineering has existed since ancient times as humans devised fundamental inventions such as the pulley, lever, and wheel. Each of these inventions is consistent with the modern definition of engineering, exploiting basic mechanical principles to develop useful tools and objects.