I've toyed around with this idea before, but I thought it would be worth examining. What is the earliest point at which gunpowder could be invented, and what might the impact of its invention be on a more "primitive" society? Could the Romans have invented it? The Norse? The Egyptians? The Inca?
Also, some information about where in the world the ingredients would be easily available would help.
Also, some information about where in the world the ingredients would be easily available would help.