Prior to the invention of Gunpowder, warfare was almost entirely about upper body strength. Whether this was swinging a sword, thrusting a spear, or drawing a bow, victory was usually decided by who was stronger. David and Goliath is a famous story simply because Goliaths typically won. But Gunpowder democratized warfare, making mechanical skill more important than physical strength. The invention of gunpowder ushered in the age of the cannon.
