1. Technical developments in the 16th and 17th centuries
The development of artillery pieces operated by gunpowder began as early as the 14th century. Initially, only powerful towns and princes could afford the new weapons. In contemporary German-language texts these were also called Büchsen; they were serviced by Büchsenmeister, members of the guild of smiths, carpenters, or shot-founders. They were frequently aided by journeymen and appre…