who invented the first gun

The first gun was invented in China during the 10th century. It originated from earlier inventions such as the "fire-spurting lance," which was a bamboo or metal tube loaded with gunpowder that could shoot flames and sometimes projectiles. This fire lance is considered the earliest form of gun, with gunpowder itself having been invented in the 9th century by Chinese alchemists. The first true hand cannon, a more recognizable firearm, appeared in China around 1280 CE and spread to Europe by the 14th century. These early Chinese firearms marked the beginning of gun-based weaponry in history.