Chinese alchemists discovered gunpowder in the 8th century while they were carrying out experiments to find the elixir of life.

By the 10th century, gunpowder was being used to make fireworks and weapons.

The Chinese invented the gun, the rocket, the bomb, and the mine.

The Song army used guns against the invading Mongols in the early 13th century, but they were eventually overpowered by the greater might of the Mongol empire.