The term "Greek Fire" refers to a type of incendiary weapon used in warfare during the Byzantine period. The spelling of "Greek Fire" follows standard English orthography, with the "G" pronounced as a hard "G" sound /ɡ/ and the "K" pronounced as a hard "K" sound /k/. The "ee" sound is represented by the double "e" spelling, which is pronounced as /iː/. The "F" in "Fire" is pronounced as /faɪɹ/. In IPA phonetic transcription, "Greek Fire" is spelled as /ɡɹiːk faɪɹ/.
Greek fire is a highly flammable and volatile incendiary substance that was developed and used by the Byzantine Empire, predominantly during the medieval period. This powerful weapon was typically used in naval battles to devastating effect, although it was occasionally employed on land as well.
The exact composition of Greek fire remains a closely guarded secret, but it is believed to consist of a mixture of various combustible materials, including petroleum, sulfur, and resin. The resulting substance was thick, highly sticky, and extremely difficult to extinguish, making it a formidable tool of warfare.
Greek fire was typically unleashed upon enemy ships through specialized devices, such as siphons or flamethrowers. Once ignited, it could be propelled through the air, adhering to enemy ships and quickly setting them ablaze. Its ability to burn on water made it particularly deadly, as traditional methods of dousing flames were ineffective.
The deployment of Greek fire by the Byzantines provided them with a significant military advantage against their adversaries, as it was capable of inflicting widespread destruction and causing panic among enemy forces. The secret recipe for Greek fire was rumored to have been kept in the strictest confidence, with only a limited number of individuals privy to its production. The exact knowledge of how to create this formidable weapon was eventually lost, contributing to its legendary status in maritime history.
A composition said to burn under water-see under fire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Greek Fire" refers to a type of incendiary weapon that was used by the Byzantine Empire during the medieval period. However, the exact etymology of the term is uncertain.
There are a few theories explaining the origin of the term "Greek Fire". One theory suggests that it is called "Greek Fire" because the Byzantine Empire, which used this weapon, was considered the successor to the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, which had its roots in ancient Greece.
Another theory proposes that the term "Greek Fire" emerged because the weapon was first employed against Arab Muslim fleets during their conflicts with the Byzantines. Since the Arab Muslims viewed the Byzantines as inheritors of ancient Greek knowledge, the incendiary weapon they used was called "Greek Fire" to associate it with their perceived Greek origins.