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History

Greek Fire

What is greek fire?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

term Greek fire[2]
user group Byzantine Greeks / Byzantine Empire[2]
type incendiary weapon / flammable composition[1]
use warfare / naval warfare[2]
introduction 7th century CE / 672 AD[2]

Greek fire was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire, especially in naval warfare, from the 7th century onward. Its exact composition is unknown, but it could continue burning on water.

Context

Greek fire was an incendiary weapon introduced by the Byzantine Greeks in the 7th century CE, primarily for naval warfare [2]. It was famously used at the sieges of Constantinople, where its ability to burn on water made it devastatingly effective [3]. The exact composition remains unknown, though some modern sources suggest it was petroleum mixed with resins [4]. The term can also refer more broadly to any flammable compositions used in ancient and medieval warfare, not just the Byzantine mixture [2]. It is often confused with other incendiary mixtures like wildfire [2].

Documented claims

  • Greek fire was used in warfare in ancient and medieval times. [2]
  • It was used by the Byzantine Greeks at the sieges of Constantinople. [3]
  • It was effective because it continued to burn on water. [4]
  • Its exact composition is still a mystery. [4]
  • Some modern sources say it was likely petroleum mixed with resins. [1]

Questions and answers

What are the ingredients for Greek Fire?

The exact ingredients are unknown. Some modern sources suggest it was likely petroleum mixed with resins [1].

Why can't we recreate Greek Fire?

We cannot recreate it because its exact composition is still a mystery [4].

What is the recipe of Greek Fire?

The recipe is unknown; sources do not provide a confirmed formula [4].

Can we make Greek Fire today?

No, because the precise ingredients were never recorded, and the composition remains unknown [4].

Sources

  1. Greek Fire: The Byzantines' Seceret Weapon — worldhistory.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Greek fire — rmg.co.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Greek Fire - Warfare History Network — warfarehistorynetwork.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Greekfire - Toxipedia — asmalldoseoftoxicology.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in History