A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a slightly pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a short narrow neck with a small outsplayed mouth. One side of the shoulder of the vessel is decorated with clusters of incised semicircles with two deeply incised circles underneath. A fishscale-like pattern covers the rest of the body. Such an item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Earthly encrustations to the surface and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor warping and pitting to the surface of the body. Chips to the mouth. Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of 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: (circa) L 12cm x W 7.5cm Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.