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Song Dynasty Gunpowder Weapons

Type Object Region China Time c. 960–1279

Northern Song gradually introduced gunpowder from alchemy and fireworks into warfare, producing fire balls, fire arrows, fire caltrops, and fire lanc…

Timeline

  1. c. 1044Bianjing · KaifengZeng Gongliang and others, by imperial command, compiled the Wujing Zongyao, first systematically recording gunpowder formulas and the manufacture of fire balls and fire arrows, bringing gunpowder weapons into the official military knowledge system.
  2. 1051Song–Liao border · North ChinaDuring Emperor Renzong's reign, firearms such as fire arrows and fire balls continued to be trialled in defence against Liao and Western Xia, alongside ballistae and fortifications; this node falls within the 1051–1060 window.

Sources