Ca. 900-1200 AD A decorated "fire grenade" comprising a ceramic vessel with impressed geometric decoration and a pointed base. Globular vessels such as this example are frequently interpreted as an early type of hand grenade. It is believed that these jars could have contained an incendiary agent such as the infamous "Greek fire" which was impervious to water, making them invaluable weapons in naval battles. Unfortunately, the recipe for "Greek fire was lost with the fall of the Byzantine empire, but it was likely a petrolum-based mixture.Size: L:140mm / W:70mm ; 550gProvenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; Formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.