God created man, and some random Chinese alchemist made them equal

there’s a book about this kind of thing in a more modern setting called The Gun by CJ Chivers, about the evolution of the machine gun to the AK-47, and it’s development, cultural and tactical impact. basically it took the firepower of a machine gun and placed it into a nearly indestructible package that a random 12 year old can use (and very unfortunately has used), anywhere, any time, in a package that quite often can fit in a trench coat or suitcase. i HIGHLY recommend reading it it’s excellent and very well written and sourced.