Greek Fire: The Mysterious Weapon That Protected the Byzantine Empire

The “Greek fire” was a mysterious incendiary weapon that helped the mighty Byzantine Empire survive and ensure that it continued to exercise its sovereignty for many centuries. Using a unique formula—which even today’s scientists have trouble figuring out—the Greeks of Byzantium kept the enemy away from their vast lands which once spanned all of Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. More importantly, the Greek fire saved Constantinople, the seat of the Byzantine Empire, from repeated sieges by the Arabs. Even when it was captured, enemies of Byzantium were never able to recreate the unique chemical concoction that generated fire...