Ancient Enemies of Byzantium Obliterated by the "Napalm Equivalent" - Ancient Byzantium's Adversaries Were Obliterated by the "Fire Bomb of History"
The Byzantine Empire's Unrivaled "Ancient Napalm" Warded Off Enemies for a Millennium
A centuries-long imperial secret, the Byzantine Empire's version of "ancient napalm"—the fiery substance known as Greek Fire—defended its diminishing territory from assailants for over a thousand years.
Originating in the 7th century, Greek Fire was a major factor in the Byzantine Empire's longevity, outlasting the Western Roman Empire by approximately a millennium. Unlike conventional warfare tools, this incendiary substance had unique properties that made it an invincible weapon. Its self-ignition and water resistance allowed it to wreak havoc not only on land but most significantly, at sea.
The recipe for Greek Fire was closely guarded, passed down from emperor to emperor until the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. Despite modern attempts to reconstruct it using mixtures of oil, saltpeter, and resins, the exact composition remains a mystery. Clues can be found in excavated fire-porting devices across Constantinople (now Istanbul), offering vague hints about the mysterious weapon.
An unparalleled terror, Greek Fire was as much a psychological weapon as it was a physical one. The undying flames and the deafening hiss which accompanied their release sent enemy armies and fleets into a spellbound panic, further exacerbated by the Byzantines presenting the weapon as divine punishment.
Greek Fire made its debut as the empire faced a new crisis toward the end of the 7th century, when the Arab warriors overran the eastern territories of the empire. This new fearsome weapon, conceived by architect Callinikos, struck just at the right time. Chronicler Theophanes Confessor documented, "At this point, Callinikos, an architect from Heliopolis in Syria, invented the liquid fire that set the [Arab] ships ablaze and consumed them with their crews."
The substance ignited spontaneously upon air contact, rendering it practically impossible to extinguish with water. It adhered stubbornly to whatever it touched, whether it was wood or skin, burning until the material itself caught fire. The only options for scarcely protective measures were hides or tarps soaked in vinegar or stale urine. Greek Fire, therefore, proved to be the ideal weapon for the navy, as it consistently set ships aflame.
The material was stored in pots, thrown or launched by catapults. Ships used a complex apparatus to spray the substance through tubes or siphons. This marvel of Byzantine engineering consisted of a bronze tube linked to a bellows or pump, using heat to pressurize the substance before hurling it through the tube. The design remained a secret, although contemporary reports hint at an unusual combination of metalwork and precision mechanics for the time. With each pumping motion, the incendiary was expelled in bursts, spreading a deadly fire jet for dozens of meters.
This weapon's impact extended far beyond the Middle Ages, inspiring popular culture, including the fantasy series "Game of Thrones" and various historical novels. Its iconic representation of Byzantine power and incorrigible secrecy continues to resonate in modern storytelling, maintaining the legacy of this ancient "devil's brew."
By the 15th century, new technological advancements began to phase out Greek Fire. The heavy siege cannons introduced by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II far surpassed Greek fire's destructive range. Furthermore, developments in naval tactics, armored ships, and the increased availability of gunpowder contributed to Greek Fire waning in power. Though it reigned supreme in the Early Middle Ages, the modern era would witness its demise as new technologies emerged.
Sources: STMU History Media, National Interest
- Greek Fire
- Byzantine Empire
- Constantinople
Other scientific advancements developed alongside Greek Fire in the Byzantine Empire, such as mixtures of natural rubber for constructing more durable armor to aid soldiers on the battlefield, while technological advancements provided new communications systems to coordinate military operations.
Throughout its history, the Byzantine Empire encountered various medical-conditions due to its diverse geographical region and the constant presence of armies. To combat these ailments, the empire was home to some of the most notable medical minds in history, leading to significant advancements in medical practices and understandings of various conditions.
