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Byzantine Greek Fire Grenade, 9th/10th Century

Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $425.00.

Out of stock

SKU: M2000 Categories: ,

Description

Greek Fire was one of the most significant military inventions in history and its use saved
the Byzantine Empire for centuries from Arab attacks. The exact formula for this flammable
liquid remains a secret to this day. Purportedly invented in the 7th C by Kallinikos of
Heliopolis, a Jewish architect who fled Syria after an Arab attack on his home city and later
settled in Constantinople, he also invented the complex system which propelled the liquid
across long distances. It was first used at sea where it was particularly effective against
wooden ships, as it could not be put out with water. It was later delivered via clay grenades,
either by hand or by launching with a catapult. This example is a hollow clay vessel with an
urn-shaped body with a ridge running around the upper portion, domed top, and conical
base. Spout on the upper face to facilitate filling and the addition of a wick. Shows wear,
but is complete and undamaged. Length 5″ (130mm), width 3 1/8″ (81 mm), weighs 16
ounces (454 g). From a London art gallery, formerly in a private Oxfordshire collection and
originally acquired on the European art market.

Byzantine Greek Fire Grenade, 9th/10th Century

$475.00

Out of stock

SKU: M1488 Category:

Description

Greek Fire was one of the most significant military inventions in history and its use saved
the Byzantine Empire for centuries from Arab attacks. The exact formula for this
flammable liquid remains a secret to this day. Purportedly invented in the 7th C by
Kallinikos of Heliopolis, a Jewish architect who fled Syria after an Arab attack on his home
city and later settled in Constantinople, he also invented the complex system which
propelled the liquid across long distances. It was first used at sea where it was particularly
effective against wooden ships, as it could not be put out by water. It was later delivered
via clay grenades, either by hand or by launching with a catapult. This example is a
hollow clay vessel with an ovoid-shaped body, domed top, and conical base; the body with
a simple decoration. Spout on the upper face to facilitate filling and the addition of a wick.
Weighs 1 pound 13 ounces, approximately 6 3/4″ long and 4″ diameter. Included is a
display stand and certificate of authenticity.