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One of the angles of Sino-European developmental divergence focuses on how weaponry innovation was heavily influenced by Europe when Chinese were the early forerunners in the production and use of gun powder.
Historians sometimes suggest differences in metallurgical abilities explain why Europeans developed far more sophisticated weapons than their Asian counterparts.
Tonio Andrade hus suggested the Chinese Wall theory, noting that the average wall or earthworks thickness of Chinese fortifications were several meters thick and all put impenetrable to bombardment. European walls were usually 2 meters thick, meaning that projectile development could offer an advantage for siegers.
The Chinese had an overall different quality they valued in their gunpowder. Houyao was the Mandarin word for gunpowder, which literally translate to “fire-medicine” or “fire concoction”, emphasizing it’s value to the Chinese primarily as an incindiary. The huoqiang (firelance) appeared in the 12th century, and grew increasingly sophisticated bombs utilizing ceramics, metal and stone. The propellant aspect of gunpowder were valued by Europeans, though Asian states maintained a level of parity of developments with Europe until 1600.
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Apprentice
A very interesting post! This is something I’ve never heard about before – I look forward to reading more from you, @2brute!
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