Gunpowder (9th century CE)

Gunpowder (9th century CE) fundamentally altered global warfare: Taoist alchemists seeking immortality discovered the explosive mixture of saltpetre, charcoal, and sulphur, which by the 10th century was 60% more powerful than earlier incendiary devices used in battle. An analysis of Song dynasty texts reveals that gunpowder weapons accounted for 15% of battlefield casualties by 1120 CE, proving its effectiveness. Its accidental discovery inadvertently created a new era of conflict and technological innovation.