Guns were invented in China during the 10th century. The first gunpowder and the earliest gun-like weapons, called fire lances, were developed by Chinese inventors. These fire lances were bamboo or metal tubes that spewed flames and projectiles, using the newly invented gunpowder. This technology evolved into early firearms and cannons. The invention of gunpowder itself was accidental by Chinese alchemists who were originally seeking an elixir of immortality. The first documented use of these early guns was during the Jin-Song wars in China (960-1279).
The gun technology spread to Europe by the 13th and 14th centuries, where it was quickly adopted and further developed with new types of firearms and innovations. Later inventions such as the Gatling gun and Maxim machine gun significantly advanced firearm technology in the 19th century.
In summary, the original invention of guns is credited to the Chinese in the 10th century, with subsequent significant developments and improvements made globally thereafter.
