What was the earliest known type of firearm?

The earliest known type of firearm is the matchlock firearm. This innovation emerged in the early 15th century and represented a significant advancement in firearm technology. Unlike its successors, the matchlock used a slow-burning match cord that, when drawn into the firearm's mechanism, would ignite the powder in the pan and subsequently fire the projectile. This design allowed for a level of operational reliability that was not present in earlier weapons, such as hand cannons, which required manual ignition methods that often proved unreliable.

The matchlock mechanism paved the way for more advanced systems like the flintlock and later designs. Other options listed, such as wheel locks and percussion cap firearms, appeared after the matchlock, further developing the technology of firearms. Thus, recognizing the matchlock as the earliest known firearm showcases the evolution of weaponry and the technological innovations that followed.