Greek Fire

Greek Fire (also called Byzantine Fire, wildfire and liquid fire) was a weapon used by the Byzantine Empire, said to have been invented by a Syrian Christian refugee named Kallinikos (Callinicus) of Heliopolis (Syria), probably about 673. Some people believe that he acquired this knowledge from the chemists of Alexandria. It was capable of discharging a stream of burning fluid, and was very effective both on sea and land, but it was used primarily at sea.

Related Topics:
Liquid fire - Byzantine Empire - Syrian - Christian - Refugee - Heliopolis - 673 - Alexandria - Fluid

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It is rumored that the key to Greek Fire's effectiveness was that it would continue burning under almost any conditions, even under water.

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Enemy ships were often afraid to come too near the Byzantine fleet because, once within range, the fire gave the Byzantines a strong advantage.

Related Topics:
Byzantine fleet - Fire

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Byzantine fire was largely responsible for many Byzantine military victories, and partly the reason for the Empire surviving as long as it did, particularly near the end of the Empire when there were not enough inhabitants of the empire to effectively defend it. It was first used to repel the Arab siege of Constantinople in 674-677 (battle of Syllaeum), and 717-718, against the Varangians (Vikings) in 941 and against the Venetians during the Fourth Crusade. It quickly became one of the most fearsome weapons of the medieval world; the mere sight of any sort of siphon, whether it was used for Greek Fire or not, was often enough to defeat an enemy. It was, however, hard to control, often accidentally setting Byzantine ships on fire as well.

Related Topics:
Constantinople - 674 - 677 - Battle of Syllaeum - 717 - 718 - Varangian - 941 - Fourth Crusade

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