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Byzantine Greek Fire Tradition

Type Object Region Mediterranean Time c. 672–1453

Greek fire was a secret Byzantine incendiary liquid projected by siphon, trebuchet, or clay jar, still issued to the Constantinople fleet in the 1310…

Timeline

  1. c. 672–678Constantinople · BosphorusAccording to records, Callinicus or a team of imperial chemists developed a liquid that could burn on water, first used on a large scale through siphon projectors during the Arab siege, turning the tide of the naval battle.
  2. 717–718Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara · BosphorusUnder Leo III's command, Greek fire repeatedly burned the Arab siege fleet at sea and in the city's defenses, becoming the core of Byzantine military secrecy, with the formula passed only to the imperial family and senior naval officers.
  3. 900–1200Aegean Sea · Aegean SeaIn the time of Romanos IV and others, Greek fire was still used against Arab and Norman fleets; the Byzantine navy maintained dedicated siphon operator posts and workshop production systems, though its relative advantage weakened as opponents adapted.
  4. 1311–1320Constantinople · BosphorusThe late Byzantine navy was greatly reduced in size, but the Greek fire tradition was still carried on in capital workshops and the limited fleet for strait defense and maritime conflicts with Genoa and the Turks; after the fall in 1453 the formula was completely lost.

Sources