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Units of History: Byzantine Fire Ships

Added 2022-04-04 16:33:31 +0000 UTC

NEW VIDEO: Units of History: Byzantine Fire Ships

"Thus, placed amid the Russians, they [the Byzantine ships] cast their fire all around. As soon as the Russians observed this, they threw themselves quickly from their ships into the sea and chose to be submerged by the waves, rather than to be burned by fire. Others, however, burdened by their breastplates and helmets, sought the bottom of the sea, never to be seen again, while several, swimming between the burning waves of the sea were incinerated, and on that day, no one escaped who did not free himself by swimming to the shore."

This account by Liutprand of Cremona, a Latin priest who visited Constantinople throughout his life, recalls one of the greatest examples of the Byzantine army during the siege of Constantinople in 941 CE against the Kievan Rus. Although the Byzantines managed to muster twelve measly ships, they resoundingly defeated the invading fleet using Greek fire. The Byzantine military was the deadly evolution of its Roman predecessor. Building upon the successful war machine of antiquity, they now bolstered it with new units of heavy infantry, cataphracts, and weaponry used in dominating battlefields in the Medieval World. Despite its murky origins, Greek fire became a highly classified weapon used by the Byzantine army.

The newest installment of Units of History: Fire Ships explores the use of Greek fire in naval battles. This technological advantage was key to the preservation of the Byzantine Empire.

Enjoy!