Gunpowder Weapons of the Song Dynasty

Timeline

1. 900–1040Dunhuang · Dunhuang CityFrom the late Tang and Five Dynasties through the early Song, gunpowder was mainly used for fireworks, arson, and simple firearms. Images of fire-lance-type devices existed around 950, but records of large-scale battlefield deployment are not yet seen. Formulas at this stage were unstable, focused on burning, flame-jetting, and smoke screens to disrupt the enemy, laying the groundwork for later standardized ordnance.
2. 1044Kaifeng (Bianjing) · Kaifeng CityThe Wu Jing Zong Yao, completed in 1044, was published under the direction of the Bureau of Military Affairs, systematically printing for the first time saltpeter-sulfur-charcoal gunpowder formulas along with illustrations of fire bombs, fire arrows, poison smoke balls, and flame-throwing tubes (fire drills). This is one of the world's earliest surviving reproducible documents on gunpowder formulas and firearms manufacture, marking the entry of Song gunpowder weapons into the stage of national arsenal standards.
3. 1101–1110Kaifeng (Bianjing) · Kaifeng CityIn the early 11th century, the Northern Song continuously stockpiled fire arrows, fire bombs, caltrop fire bombs, and other firearms in the capital and border fortresses, equipping flame-throwing tubes for city defense and garrison drills. Although large-scale combat records of fire lances came somewhat later, gunpowder weapons at this time had already been incorporated into arsenal management as conventional ordnance, preparing for later firearms use in the war against the Jin.