Greek Fire Was Not Gunpowder

Greek fire burned on water.

Greek fire was an ancient incendiary weapon of Byzantium.

The secret formula of Greek fire was lost to history.

Many believed Greek fire was early gunpowder, but it was not.

Gunpowder was unknown in Europe and Middle East before 13th century.

Greek fire used petroleum mixed with resins, like modern napalm.

Byzantine ships sprayed Greek fire through tubes called siphōns.

Grenades filled with Greek fire were thrown onto enemy ships.

Greek fire helped Byzantines repel Arab sieges of Constantinople.

The secret was taught only to specialists with compartmentalized knowledge.

Captured Greek fire devices baffled enemies who could not copy them.

Water could not put out Greek fire; sand or vinegar were needed.

Byzantines called Greek fire sea fire, liquid fire, or sticky fire.

Greek fire’s discharge made thunder and smoke in naval battles.

Greek fire burned on water, unlike any other weapon.