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Greek Fire

Type Object Region Byzantine Time 673–700

A liquid incendiary weapon developed by the Byzantine Empire that burned on water and resisted water extinguishing, first used around 673 CE in the d…

Timeline

  1. c. 670–673Constantinople armory workshops · ConstantinopleByzantine chemists and engineers developed a liquid incendiary mixture of petroleum, sulfur, resin and other substances; the formula was classified as a state secret known only to the imperial family and senior naval officers.
  2. 673–678Sea of Marmara and the straits of Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireByzantine fire ships sprayed Greek Fire onto the Arab fleet through siphons; the flames spread across the water and were hard to extinguish, heavily damaging enemy ships and forcing the Umayyad fleet to withdraw, establishing the empire's naval defense advantage.
  3. 678–700Byzantine Empire's Eastern Mediterranean fleet bases · Byzantine EmpireGreek Fire became standard equipment of the Byzantine navy, fitted to warships and coastal fortifications; the formula and the manufacturing technology of the spraying devices were strictly guarded, sustaining the empire's deterrent capability against maritime threats.

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