Gonzolo said:Anyone here knows what Greek fire is all about? I understand it was used in the 8th century, and the recipe was lost. Projectiles would ignite ships on impact, and water wouldn't turn it off, in fact, it would burn on water. They could also make flamethrowers with it. Is there an equivalent today, and what is it used for? Thanks.
Greek Fire is a highly flammable and mysterious incendiary weapon that was used by the Byzantine Empire during medieval warfare. Its exact composition is still unknown, but it is believed to have contained a mixture of sulfur, petroleum, and other secret ingredients.
Greek Fire was used as a form of naval warfare, where it was launched from ships in containers, tubes, or siphons. It was also used on land, where it was thrown in pots or sprayed from pumps. Greek Fire was difficult to extinguish and could burn on water, making it a formidable weapon against enemy ships.
The exact origins of Greek Fire are unknown, but it was first mentioned in the 7th century by the Byzantine Empire. It was used in many battles, including the Arab-Byzantine wars and the Crusades. The use of Greek Fire declined in the 12th century and the secret of its composition was lost over time.
While the exact composition of Greek Fire is still a mystery, there have been attempts to recreate it using modern technology. Some theories suggest that it may have been similar to modern-day napalm or a type of ancient flamethrower. However, there is no definitive modern equivalent to Greek Fire.
Despite numerous attempts to uncover the secret of Greek Fire, its exact composition and production process remain a mystery. The Byzantine Empire guarded this secret closely and it was never recorded or shared with other civilizations. The lack of documentation and the passage of time have made it difficult for modern scientists to unravel the mystery of Greek Fire.