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Fire and artillery.
#1
I am looking into the subject of the use of fire and artillery, what I think would be called 'fire pots'. Can anyone direct me to any references etc on this subject. I have looked into what was available in ancient times and it boils down to pitch and turpentine as accelerants (maybe a mix of the two??) and these could be put in clay pots and used, effectivley, as giant molotov cocktails. Have any of you reenactors out there given them a try. Any ideas or thoughts?
Vale
Fruitbat
A.K.A Dave
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#2
Quote:I am looking into the subject of the use of fire and artillery, what I think would be called 'fire pots'.
Catapults probably shot fire arrows, too. An incendiary head (too large for a standard arrow, if I recall) was found at Dura-Europos.

Quote:I have looked into what was available in ancient times and it boils down to pitch and turpentine as accelerants (maybe a mix of the two??) ...
Turpentine (resin of the terebinth tree) sounds interesting. I don't know of any evidence, off hand. Pitch is frequently mentioned, as are bitumen/asphalt and sulphur/brimstone.

Of course, these are simply accelerants. You still need ignition, which was provided by the fire-arrows. (Or by kamikaze torch-bearers! :wink: )
posted by Duncan B Campbell
https://ninth-legion.blogspot.com/
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#3
Yes, I have seen reference to fire-arrows, but as for fire-pots, not a word as far as I can see. It strikes me that they are simply good special effects from the imagination of the Hollywood film industry.

Turpentine was certainly around in the ancient world, the name derriving from the ancient Greek language. Furhtermore, looking at the 'mystery weapon' used in the defence of Syracuse harbour by Archimedes and the Greeks against the Roman fleet, well they could have used the shiney mirrors to dazzle the Roman archers and balistamen on the ships while turpentine was poured on the water (spreading very quickly) and then threw in a torch....
or am I being a little too simplistic?
Vale
Fruitbat
A.K.A Dave
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#4
Quote:Furthermore, looking at the 'mystery weapon' used in the defence of Syracuse harbour by Archimedes and the Greeks against the Roman fleet, well they could have used the shiney mirrors to dazzle the Roman archers and balistamen on the ships while turpentine was poured on the water (spreading very quickly) and then threw in a torch....
Confusedhock: Looks as if you need Ancient Warfare magazine, Vol. 5, No. 3 (scroll down)
posted by Duncan B Campbell
https://ninth-legion.blogspot.com/
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#5
Quote:Turpentine was certainly around in the ancient world ...
You know, I can't find a single reference to turpentine in a warlike context. Celsus adds it to a drink to settle the stomach Confusedhock: but I can't find anybody recommending its inflammatory properties. Maybe it has to be distilled?
posted by Duncan B Campbell
https://ninth-legion.blogspot.com/
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