Byzantine Greek Fire Warships

Type Object Region Byzantine Empire Time c. 672–1204

Byzantine warships fitted with Greek fire projectors, carried on fast dromon vessels that projected flame through siphons, the core deterrent of the …

Timeline

c. 672–800Constantinople · ConstantinopleThe Byzantine navy integrated Greek fire and siphon projectors into the two-banked fast dromon, forming a tactical system combining close-range incendiary attack and boarding assault, with formula and manufacture strictly guarded in imperial workshops.
1161–1170Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara · Aegean SeaUnder Manuel I the imperial fleet still deployed dromons equipped with Greek fire, serving as a last line of defense in Aegean patrols, supply escorts, and against Venetian and Sultanate of Rum maritime threats, though fleet size and readiness no longer matched the earlier height.

Sources

Byzantine Warships and Their Crews, c. 800–1204 — John H. Pryor (2006)