when was gunpowder invented

Gunpowder was invented in China during the 9th century AD. It was originally developed by Chinese alchemists who were searching for an elixir of life, and it was first recorded in written chemical formulas during the Song dynasty in the 11th century (specifically between 1040 and 1044 in the Wujing Zongyao text). The initial use of gunpowder was more for fire arrows and incendiary devices rather than explosives. By around 904 AD, gunpowder was recorded as being used in warfare in China. It combined sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate) to create a substance that burns rapidly and could be weaponized. The technology gradually spread from China to the Middle East and Europe over the following centuries.