Where was gunpowder invented?

Gunpowder was invented in China in the ninth century during the reign of the Tang Dynasty. Though initially used to create fireworks, gunpowder was also used by the Chinese during a 10th-century war against the Mongols.

The world's first recorded gunpowder accident took place in 1280 at an arsenal in Weiyang, Eastern China. After stocks of gunpowder caught fire, a large explosion killed more than 100 soldiers and scattered debris over a two mile radius.

Gunpowder technology did not reach Europe until the late 13th century, by which time the Chinese had already developed hand grenades, cannons and flame throwers.