Gunpowder was introduced to the Malay archipelago in the 13th century with the Mongol invasion of Java. The defenders turned back an invading force, while capturing a number of firearms in the form of pole guns (handgonnes) and cannon. These weapons were reproduced and widely used, though their early military applications were very limited due to their unreliability in Nusantara's tropical climate. Bedil tombak, or "gun spears", began to be imported into Oceanyka soon after their appearance in Java, though they remained rare due to their dubious utility. It later evolved into the Bedil Jawa Arquebus.
