A. D. 757.
Guns are said to have been constructed in China, in 757 A. D., for the purpose of throwing stones of the weight of from ten to fourteen pounds to a distance of 300 paces. Whatever doubts may exist as to the earlier history of artillery among the Chinese, it is almost beyond question, that cannon were extensively used by them in the beginning of the 13th century, as we have access to various reliable accounts, establishing this fact.
Artillery at Saragossa, A. D., 1118.
Condé, in his history of the Moors in Spain, states that artillery was used by them against Saragossa in 1118 A. D., At Niebla, A. D., 1157.and that in 1157, A. D. they defended themselves in Niebla, against the Spaniards, by means of machines, which threw darts and stones, through the agency of fire.
Used against the Moguls, A. D. 1232.
In 1232 A. D. cannon throwing stone shot were used against the Moguls, and during this war, certain machines were also employed, which being filled with powder, and ignited at the proper time, burst with a noise like thunder, and whose effect extended for the space of half an acre round the spot where they exploded.
Cannon bearing date 1258 found in France.
A small brass cannon is said to have been found at the bottom of a deep well of the Castle de Clucy, in France, with the date 1258 upon it.
Cannon used against Cordova, A. D. 1280.
In 1280 A. D., cannon were used against Cordova, after which period, they are frequently mentioned in the records of Spain. Iron shot, 14th century.Iron shot appear to have been first used in that country in the beginning of the 14th century.