Black powder (gun powder) was invented by Chinese during the 9th century. The direct ancestor of the firearm is the fire lance, invented in China during the 10th century, the predecessor of all modern firearms. Firearms appeared in the Middle East and in Europe in the 13th century or 14th century, and were borne by explorers to the Americas three centuries later. Traditional firearms are still made by hand in the 18th century manner by the master gunsmiths at Colonial Williamsburg. Please join us for this demonstration and discussion of their ancient trade HERE.