[Video] - Greek Fire was a secret terrifying military weapon

[UltimaOnline]

Ask AI : why is greek fire so hard to put out?

Greek fire was notoriously difficult to extinguish because it was a sticky, liquid-based incendiary that continued to burn on water and often intensified when doused. As a 7th-century Byzantine weapon, its composition likely included petroleum, pitch, and sulfur, which allowed it to cling to surfaces and act as a primitive napalm, making it a terrifying,, uncontrollable force against wooden ships.

Key reasons why Greek fire was nearly impossible to put out:

• Water-Activated/Resistant: The substance burned on water and, according to historical accounts, actually burned more violently when water was added, spreading the fire rather than extinguishing it.
• Adhesive Properties: It was designed to stick to clothing, ship hulls, and skin, creating intense, sustained heat.
• Unique Extinguishers Required: It could generally only be smothered with sand, or potentially doused with heavy vinegar or stale urine, which were not readily available in the middle of naval battles.
• Chemical Composition: Although the exact formula is lost, it is believed to be a mixture of naphtha, resin, and sulfur, which created a high-temperature, fast-burning fire.
• Pressurized Delivery: The Byzantines used specialized siphon devices (similar to flamethrowers) to spray the mixture, ensuring it spread across a wide area and adhered to targets instantly.
  
  The secret, state-guarded nature of the weapon, combined with its unique chemical characteristics, meant that for centuries it was an, unmatched, devastating weapon in naval warfare.