Why was gunpowder stored on the bottom of decks?

Gunpowder was stored on the bottom of ship decks primarily for safety reasons. This location minimized the risk of accidental ignition from sparks or fire, as the lower deck was less likely to be exposed to open flames and heat sources. Additionally, storing it there helped stabilize the ship's center of gravity and protected the gunpowder from moisture, which could degrade its effectiveness.