Gunpowder¹, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China, was first developed during the Tang Dynasty (9th century CE). Early experiments by alchemists mixing saltpeter (potassium nitrate), sulfur², and charcoal³ led to its accidental discovery. Initially⁴ used for medicinal and mystical purposes, its explosive potential was soon recognized. The earliest recorded formula appears in the Wujing Zongyao (1044 CE), a military compendium⁵ from the Song Dynasty.

火药是中国古代四大发明之一，最早出现于唐代（公元9世纪）。炼丹家在混合硝石（硝酸钾）、硫磺和木炭时偶然发现了它。最初用于医药和神秘仪式，但其爆炸性很快被发掘。最早的明确配方记载于宋代军事著作《武经总要》（1044年）。

By the 10th century, gunpowder was weaponized in "fire arrows" and bombs. It revolutionized warfare⁶ globally, though China primarily used it for fireworks and signaling. The technology spread westward⁷ via the Silk Road, reaching Europe by the 13th century.

10世纪时，火药被用于“火箭”和炸弹等武器。尽管中国主要将其用于烟花和信号传递，但它彻底改变了全球战争形式。该技术通过丝绸之路西传，13世纪传入欧洲。

Historians debate exact origins, but Chinese texts provide the earliest reliable evidence. Unlike later Western formulations, early Chinese gunpowder had lower nitrate content, making it less explosive but stable for controlled uses.

关于其确切起源仍有争议，但中文文献提供了最早的确凿记载。与后来的西方配方不同，中国早期火药硝酸盐含量较低，爆炸性较弱但更稳定，适合可控用途。

This innovation laid the foundation for modern ballistics and chemistry, showcasing China’s scientific legacy⁸.

这一发明为现代弹道学和化学奠定了基础，彰显了中国的科学传承。