Invention of Greek Fire: What Happened
Around 672 AD, the Byzantine Empire gained one of the most feared weapons of the medieval world, a burning liquid that later Europeans called Greek fire. According to the Byzantine chronicler Theophanes, it was brought to Constantinople by Kallinikos, a Greek-speaking architect or engineer who had fled from Heliopolis in Syria, then under Arab control. The Byzantines called it sea fire or liquid fire. It was sprayed through bronze tubes mounted on the bows of warships, using a pressurized system that shot flames at enemy vessels. Greek fire could burn on water and was extremely difficult to put out. According to some accounts, only sand, vinegar or urine could smother it. The weapon played a decisive role in defending Constantinople against the Arab sieges of the 7th and 8th centuries and against later attacks by the Rus. Its exact recipe was a closely guarded state secret, known only to a few families, and it was eventually lost. Historians believe it was probably based on crude oil mixed with substances such as resin, but its precise composition remains unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Greek fire?
Greek fire was a burning liquid weapon used by the Byzantine navy from around 672 AD. It was sprayed from tubes on ships and could burn even on water.
Who invented Greek fire?
According to the chronicler Theophanes, Greek fire was brought to Constantinople by Kallinikos, a Greek-speaking engineer who fled from Heliopolis in Syria.
How was Greek fire put out?
Greek fire was extremely hard to extinguish. According to some accounts, only sand, vinegar or urine could smother it.
What was Greek fire made of?
The exact recipe was a closely guarded state secret and has been lost. Historians believe it was probably based on crude oil mixed with substances such as resin.
How was Greek fire used?
Greek fire played a decisive role in defending Constantinople against the Arab sieges of the 7th and 8th centuries and against later attacks by the Rus.
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