A large Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body. To the top, the vessel rises into a short neck and tapers out into a small mouth with a thick rim. The rest of the body is left undecorated. Such items would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. There are earthy encrustations covering the surface, and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as scratches, pitting, and chips to the body. A diagonal crack runs down from the neck to the shoulder of the grenade. Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon in the Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. 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 the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults. Measurements: L 17.5cm x W 9cm Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.