Greek fire ship
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Greek fire ship
A 13th century covered galley, equipped to drop barrels of Greek fire
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7181495
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10527453
Barrel Barrels Covered Flaming Galley Incendiary Warfare Weapon Weapons
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image depicts a 13th century Greek fire ship, an ingenious and fearsome invention of the Byzantine Empire's naval warfare. The covered galley is equipped with an intricate system to drop barrels of Greek fire over the side and into the enemy's ranks. Greek fire was an incendiary weapon, a precursor to modern flamethrowers, capable of igniting upon contact with water. Its mysterious composition, which reportedly included naphtha, sulfur, and pitch, made it a formidable weapon against enemy ships and coastal fortifications. The galley's sleek design, with its covered deck and rowers, allowed it to approach the enemy undetected, only revealing its deadly payload when it was too late. The barrels, suspended above the waterline, were released by a mechanism, likely a pulley system, and would crash into the enemy ship, igniting upon impact. The resulting explosion of flames and smoke would create chaos and confusion, giving the Byzantine fleet the upper hand in battle. This image offers a glimpse into the advanced military technology of the Byzantine Empire during the Middle Ages. The use of Greek fire ships marked a significant shift in naval warfare, demonstrating the empire's innovative spirit and strategic prowess. The covered galley, with its deadly cargo, remains an intriguing and iconic symbol of the Byzantine Empire's military might.
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