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This animated documentary is part of our Units of History series covering elements of the Byzantine Army and more. In this episode we explore the Fire Ship super weapons which saved the Byzantine Empire.
The documentary begins with a look at the history of incendiary weapons. This stretches from the Assyrian Army to the Indian, Sassanid, Greek, and Roman forces as well. Specifically however we focus on the emergence of Naptha and Greek Fire. This technology came at a critical moment when the Byzantine Empire was being overrun by the Arab Conquests and would prove to be their savior.
In the equipment section we cover how the greek fire siphons were built and how they were mounted on Byzantine Dromons. We then turn to their tactical use in battle before covering their service history. This includes critical action during the numerous times when invaders tried to execute a siege of Constantinople. We cover the Arab Siege of Constantinople in the 8th century as well as the Kievan Rus attack on the city in the later 10th century.
In previous episodes we have covered the Byzantine Grenadiers, Varangian Guards, the Roman Cataphracts, and many more fascinating troop types. What Units of History should we cover next?
THE BYZANTINES
Byzantine Flamethrowers and Grenadiers : https://youtu.be/Q40yMWRYt7U
The Varangian Guard : https://youtu.be/0H2Gs87dTfU
THE HELLENISTIC WORLD
Macedonian Silver Shields : https://youtu.be/csw9uSRjUz8
Macedonian Companion Cavalry : https://youtu.be/bbLnrGGqyWY
The Spartan Skiritai : https://youtu.be/MSsUYZBd414
The Spartan Royal Guard : https://youtu.be/pSIh_mTEy_o
The Sacred Band of Thebes : https://youtu.be/xWsZwlN1j3c
Mycenaean Chariots : https://youtu.be/-TyVh8PlnS4
Balearic Slingers : https://youtu.be/3uDtrwNY0Zk
THE ROMANS
Roman Cataphracts : https://youtu.be/NPdxGwyfy_Q
Roman Army Spies : https://youtu.be/xpPY5yU9w7I
Roman Army Scouts : https://youtu.be/EQIT0vP5pBg
THE NORTHMEN
The Jomsvikings Mercenaries : https://youtu.be/ry_J2IPAZoE
Viking Berserkers : https://youtu.be/lVbjaoFDiFk
Early Germanic Warriors : https://youtu.be/DK1c4Bz01MU
THE AFRICANS
Nubian Archers : https://youtu.be/qvO3_kYRRw8
The Sacred Band of Carthage : https://youtu.be/oX3y1GYcCEY
Carthaginian War Elephants : https://youtu.be/hDSRHGFCWEo
The Numidian Cavalry : https://youtu.be/3tv7EbkrX38
THE NEAR EAST
The 10,000 Immortals : https://youtu.be/Rg1WpzDfyNM
Credits
Research = Sophia Ware and Chris Das Neves
Script = Chris Das Neves
Narration = Guy Michaels
Editing = Penta Limited
Sources and Suggest Reading:
“Greek Fire” by Linda Alchin
“Byzantine authors: literary activities and preoccupations” by John Nesbitt
“Praecepta Militaria” by Nicephorus II Phocas
“Tactica” by Emperor Leo VI the Wise
#Units
#Byzantine
#Documentary