Was this hand grenade used during the Crusades? If so, it’s merely the latest in a long line of medieval incendiary devices.
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A recent analysis of four such vessels — found in the Old City of Jerusalem during the 1960s and which date back to the 11th or 12th century — points toward a different theory. According to a team of researchers led by molecular anthropologist Carney Matheson, three of these ceramic pots likely contained oils, perfume and medicines, which matches up with previous expectations of such vessels.
How the flammable mixture was ignited is another mystery, though it’s possible Byzantine fighters used a compound called quicklime, or calcium oxide. They threw the flammable mixture in pots or ejected it from tubes that were mounted to the bow of a boat and reminiscent of medieval flamethrowers. Supposedly, Greek fire could not be extinguished by water — only with sand or vinegar, making it particularly devastating in naval warfare.
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