Gunpowder as we know was the raw material in wars.
It was developed by Chinese alchemists about 1,000 years ago. Perhaps in 1044 AD
This helped in the development of cannons in China 1 century later and in Europe 1 century after that.
It consists of ¾ potassium nitrate, which is found in animal feces, and ¼ of charcoal with sulfur.
Europeans, however, were able to dominate militarily since there were more animals on their continent and as a result they could produce more gunpowder. In China there were less animals and as a result the country was not strong enough militarily since their gunpowder was not strong enough.
[Source: http://www.mixanitouxronou.gr]
