When was the first rocket made?

According to the earliest accounts on record, the first rocket was made in China during the battle of Kai-Keng in 1232. Often referred to as fire arrows, the Chinese made and used these weapons during the battle to help repel the Mongols.

The fire arrow consisted of a gunpowder-filled container that was attached to a stick or arrow for aerodynamic guidance. Once ignited, the gunpowder generated thrust by creating pressure that only escaped from the sole opening at the rear of the container.

Related technologies that used steam to propel an object along a string or on an axis were developed earlier than 1232, but they weren't free-flying like a true rocket.