01-20-2009, 02:53 AM
From the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7837826.stm
Interesting. James mentions the finds of a pitch filled jar and sulphur crystals in his book on the Arms and Armor found at Dura Europos, but he didn't mention their possible use in this fashion.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7837826.stm
Quote:A UK researcher said he found evidence that the Persian Empire used poisonous gases on the Roman city of Dura, Eastern Syria, in the 3rd Century AD.
The theory is based on the discovery of remains of about 20 Roman soldiers found at the base of the city wall.
The findings were presented the Archaeological Institute of America's annual meeting.
The study shows that the Persians dug a mine underneath the wall in order to enter the city.
They also ignited bitumen and sulphur crystals to produce dense poisonous gases, suggested Simon James, an archaeologist at the University of Leicester.
Interesting. James mentions the finds of a pitch filled jar and sulphur crystals in his book on the Arms and Armor found at Dura Europos, but he didn't mention their possible use in this fashion.
Robert Sulentic
Uti possedetis.
Uti possedetis.
