Part 3/7:
As the knowledge of gunpowder spread along the Silk Road to the Middle East and Europe, it was refined for military applications. By the late 14th century, gunpowder became integral to warfare, leading to the development of cannons and firearms, which dramatically altered military tactics.
The Making of Gunpowder
To create gunpowder, it is essential first to gather its components. Saltpeter can be found naturally or produced synthetically, while charcoal is made by burning wood in a low-oxygen environment through a process known as pyrolysis. Sulfur can either be mined or created from the combustion of specific materials.