Het Griekse vuur. De realiteit achter de mythe
- Bart De Graeve
Abstract
The goal of this paper is firstly to examine the historical importance of the Greek fire. Al¬ though this Byzantine firearm has been subject of much study, scientists almost always con¬ centrated on the composition and launching methods but no general study about the real strength and historical meaning for the Byzantine history was made. A systematic investigation of the historical sources shows that in reality Greek fire was not as powerful as usually claimed. Especially the Arabs, the main enemies of Constantinople, were soon able to protect themselves against the devastating flames that destroyed their fleet in 674-677 and 717-718 AD. It is only very occasionally that hereafter the Byzantines could win a battle because of their secret weapon.
How to Cite:
De Graeve, B., (2002) “Het Griekse vuur. De realiteit achter de mythe”, Tetradio 11(1): 8, 189–208. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tetradio.91970
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