Greek Fire was an incendiary weapon first used in Byzantine warfare in 678 CE. The napalm of ancient warfare, the highly flammable liquid was made of secret ingredients and used both in catapulted incendiary bombs and sprayed under pressure so as to launch flames at enemy ships and fortifications. It was also used with success in defensive situations. Greek Fire became the most devastating weapon of Christendom for over seven centuries and ensured that Constantinople resisted all comers. Emperor Romanos II (r. 959-963 CE) knew its value and declared three things must absolutely never reach foreign hands: the Byzantine imperial regalia, any royal princess, and Greek Fire. As it turned out, the first two were, on occasion, bestowed on foreign rulers but never the third.
More about: Greek FireDefinition
Timeline
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678First recorded use of Greek Fire in Byzantine warfare during the Arab siege of Constantinople.
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717 - 718Greek Fire is used by Byzantine ships to attack an Arab fleet besieging Constantinople.
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821 - 822Greek Fire is used by Byzantine ships to attack a Slav fleet besieging Constantinople.
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941Greek Fire is used by Romanos I's fleet against a Russian fleet attacking Constantinople.
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972Byzantine emperor John I Tzimisces uses Greek Fire to take the Bulgar capital of Preslav, then in Russian hands.
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988 - 989Byzantine emperor Basil II uses Greek Fire to attack a rebel force led by the usurper Bardas Phokas.
