Greek fire was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire during warfare. The substance was created and utilized primarily during naval engagements, although there are also accounts of its use in land warfare.
Invented around the 7th century, Greek fire was a technological marvel of its time and contributed significantly to numerous naval victories. The precise composition of Greek fire remains a mystery as the Byzantines kept the recipe a closely guarded state secret. This has led to much speculation and attempts to recreate it over the years.
It's known that Greek fire was a kind of sticky, flammable liquid, likely petroleum-based, that could continue burning even on water, making it particularly effective in naval warfare. This substance was typically shot using a tube-like device, sort of like a primitive flamethrower, setting enemy ships ablaze. Sometimes it was also used in ceramic grenades.
The use of Greek fire slowly diminished and eventually disappeared, largely due to the loss of the specific knowledge required to produce it. This, along with its significant military impact, contributes to its legendary status in the history of warfare.