Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. mid-12th century CE. A molded ceramic grenade, used for holding the famed "Greek fire". The grenade has a seashell-like shape, with a hole near the top for inserting chemicals. The body is textured with a series of incised lines and concentric circles. The exact composition of Greek fire is unknown - probably some combination of pine resin, naphtha, quicklime, sulphur, and resin - but tales of its destructive capabilities echo through the centuries. Grenades like this one were stockpiled prior to battle and only filled when they needed to be used, hence the survival of this example. They were known to their victims as "naptha pots" and their widespread use is recorded from the attack of the Crusader King of Jerusalem, Amalric I, on the city of Fus in 1167. Comes wuth custom stand. Size: 3.2" W x 7.1" H (8.1 cm x 18 cm); height on stand: 8" (20.3 cm)

Provenance: private York, England collection acquired over twenty years ago

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#122657

Intact, with light encrustation in the grooves.