What ancient application utilized slow-burning materials to manage combustion safely, predating the electrical age?

Answer

Pyrotechnics and explosives

The concept of controlled failure, the precursor to the fuse, stemmed from the need to manage combustion safely using slow-burning materials in pyrotechnics and explosives to ensure a safe delay before ignition.

What ancient application utilized slow-burning materials to manage combustion safely, predating the electrical age?
inventionSafetyfuse