Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade, Circa 9th-11th Century AD

A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, incised ring to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. around 490 grams, 15 cm diameter. Previously in a private collection since the 1990s.Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher.

Weight: 465 g