Byzantine Hand Grenade with Geometric Design
£ 245.00
A Byzantine earthenware hand grenade featuring a hollow bulbous body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel leads to a short neck and splays out slightly into a thick rim with a small mouth. This allowed the item to be filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek fire’ and used as a hand grenade in battle. The mouth would have also accommodated a fuse to instigate the explosion. As typical for Byzantine grenades, this piece displays geometric patterns to its outer surface. Four decorative band of small, carved dots, enrich the upper part of the body.
Date: Circa 9th-11th century AD
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990's
Condition: Fine condition, some earthy encrustations remain on the body and inside. Minor scratches to the surface consistent with age.
In stock
Greek Fire, also referred to as liquid fire (ὑγρόν πῦρ, hygron pyr), was one of the most famous weapons of the Byzantine arsenal and its use played a crucial role in the defense of the Empire, ensuring its long survival. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests that petroleum was a vital ingredient making the liquid impervious to water. Greek fire was first used at sea where it was particularly effective against wooden ships; it was later delivered via clay grenades, either by hand or by launching with a catapult.
To find out more about Byzantine hand grenades please see our relevant blog post: Byzantine Fire Grenades
