BIG BANG THEORY A fireworks timeline.
Sources: The History Channel, American Pyrotechnics Association
206-220 B.C. The Chinese create natural fireworks out of roasted bamboo.
600-900 B.C. Gunpowder is invented by the Chinese, who stuff it into bamboo shoots and throw it into pits, creating fireworks.
10th century The Chinese attach fireworks to arrows for use as weapons.
12th century Aerial launching creates the first fireworks display.
13th century Crusaders bring gunpowder to Europe and Middle East.
1486 England’s first fireworks show, at the wedding of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.
1777 July 4 fireworks debut in the U.S.
1830s Italians add color, sparks and sunbursts to fireworks.
2013 $940 million in fireworks is sold in the U.S.
