Page 23 - All About History - Issue 59-17

how not to... win with Greek fire 4 FaMous…
While the threat of Greek siege condemned not only the tiMes Greek
fire itself was a deterrent to Byzantine Empire but also the
most invading forces, it struck secret of its most feared weapon Fire Was used
little fear in the hearts of the to the history books.
Ottomans in 1453 as it hadn’t To this day, its exact
been used in centuries. In fact, composition remains a mystery
the Ottoman Empire managed to to the world. Although the
conquer Constantinople once and recipe was passed down from
for all, renaming it Istanbul and emperor to emperor throughout
using it as their own capital. the Byzantine Empire, it was
Though the Ottomans had never written down lest it fall
developed their own version into enemy hands and be used
of Greek fire, the successful against them in battle.

siege of the cApitAl
678
The besieging forces of the
Umayyad Caliphate were the first
to experience Greek fire when
their navy was set ablaze.

ArAbiAn AttAck

718
all hanDS to the pumpS no neeD for accuracy Despite a relentless invasion from
Don’t let the hard work of the surprise be ruined. Obviously it’s best to aim for the ships that should catch Arab forces, Emperor Leo III’s
navy were victorious thanks to
03 Though it’s a pretty daunting site, let the Rus’ ships 04 fire pretty quickly and it will only get worse for the Greek fire.
come in as close as possible. Then, when they’re near enough panicked crew when they try in vain to put it out with water.
to hear their premature victorious calls, press down on those You needn’t worry if some goes in the sea — it’ll still burn and
pumps and let them have a taste. It also makes a savage noise make sure those who abandon their ships get a good roasting
and plumes of black smoke to add to the terror. while they try to swim away.

thomAs the slAv
822
Both sides had Greek fire at their
disposal but it was the Emperor
Michael II who used it best during
the revolt of Thomas the Slav.

let otherS join in olD-faShioneD warfare
Some of the enemy will try and escape the inferno, so Though Greek fire is an unrivalled weapon, its range wAr with the rus
05 make sure you give the men on the seaward ramparts 06 and limited supply means it can only inflict so much
the opportunity to have some fun. Even if you don’t have damage and fear. With the enemy in disarray, it’s up to the rest 941
enough hoses, small jars filled with Greek fire with a nice of the army and navy to capitalise and finish off the invaders. Emperor Romanus I Lecapenus
successfully defeated the invading
burning wick will make a vicious Medieval Molotov cocktail for Any who escape can help spread the news that the emperor Russian fleet at sea with his © Ed Crooks
them to throw or launch via a catapult. and his secret weapon are not to be messed with. favourite fiery weapon.

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