Ships destroyed by "Greek Fire", an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire beginning c. 672. It consisted of a combustible compound probably based on naphtha and quicklime emitted by a flame-throwing weapon. The Byzantines typically used it in naval battles to great effect, as it could supposedly continue burning while floating on water. The technological advantage it provided was responsible for many key Byzantine military victories, most notably the salvation of Constantinople from the first and second Arab sieges, thus securing the Empire's survival.
'The Illustrated History of the World' Published by Ward; Lock & Co; 1890
Size: 4843px × 2928px
Location: Constantinople, Turkey
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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