It was an invention that was ‘ahead’ of its time.
It was invented by the Greeks and used for the first time against the Ottomans when in 674 AD. the latter tried to occupy Byzantium.
Fire was used in naval battles before but could be brought under control by using clothes, dust and water.
But this fire was something different. Although there is no evidence of its composition, it is estimated to have been oil or sulfur or gunpowder. That’s why it couldn’t be extinguished then. It could destroy the wooden ship until it sank.
Also impressive was the pump that could launch the flammable material at a distance of hundreds of meters.
[Source: http://www.bigthink.com]
