Who was the first to use a rocket as a weapon of war?

The correct answer is that the Chinese were the first to use a rocket as a weapon of war. The use of gunpowder and the development of early rocket technology in China dates back to as early as the 13th century. Historical records indicate that during the Song Dynasty, the Chinese military started to utilize rockets for warfare, particularly against invading forces such as the Mongols. This early use of rocketry laid the foundation for future developments in missile technology and weaponry.

In contrast, while the Greeks, Romans, and Persians had their own forms of military technology and siege methods, they did not develop rockets in the same way as the Chinese did. The ancient Greeks used designs such as the catapult, and the Romans improved upon these concepts with their own siege engines. The Persians had various forms of artillery and weaponry but did not pioneer the use of rockets. Thus, the Chinese are historically recognized for integrating rockets into warfare first, marking a significant advancement in military technology.