What you’re seeing:
An AI-assisted recreation of a Byzantine fire-weapon at sea: a crewman aims a siphōn (projector tube) and throws a stream of burning liquid toward an enemy ship. The Byzantine Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire, ruled from Constantinople, modern Istanbul) became famous for using incendiary weapons in naval defense.
Where is this?
This is framed as the waters around Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey), where control of sea approaches and supply routes could decide whether the city survived a siege.
What was “Greek fire”?
A Byzantine incendiary weapon described in medieval sources as a flammable liquid projected through a tube at close range, especially in naval combat. “Greek fire” is a later label used by outsiders; Byzantine writers describe the effect and the device more than they reveal any recipe.
When do historical sources place its use?
You will see several famous episodes referenced in medieval accounts and later histories:
Traditionally AD 674–678:
Accounts of an earlier Arab assault on Constantinople often credit Byzantine fire weapons as decisive at sea. The exact chronology and details are debated, so it’s safest to say “traditionally dated” rather than absolute.
AD 717–718: during the major Arab siege of Constantinople, Byzantine naval defense is again associated with fire weapons in many retellings.
AD 941: Byzantine forces are reported using fire weapons against a Rus’ fleet attacking Constantinople.
Did it protect Constantinople for many years?
It likely helped, especially at sea, but it was not the only reason Constantinople endured. The city also depended on massive walls, logistics, diplomacy, and enemies failing to sustain long sieges. Greek fire fits best as a force multiplier that made hostile fleets fear closing distance.
What do we actually know, and what is unknown?
Known from descriptions: it is portrayed as a directed, tube-projected incendiary stream used in naval fighting.
Unknown with certainty: the exact formula, exact mechanism (pressure, pumps), and exact flame behavior. Modern “recipes” are reconstructions and hypotheses, not proven originals.
Discrepancies in this recreation
The hardware and hose cues in this clip look more modern than what we can confirm from medieval evidence. Ship silhouettes and the exact appearance of the projected flame are also simplified. This video is an educational visualization, not a literal snapshot of Byzantine engineering.
Outcome, and how we know:
Greek fire becomes famous because multiple medieval narratives and later historical traditions repeatedly connect Byzantine survival at sea, especially around Constantinople, to ship-mounted fire weapons.
🎥 All visuals are original AI-assisted recreations produced by @itsaihistory for educational and documentary purposes.
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source
Not many know the story of Greek fire
The Arab Empire conquered Syria and then a Jew fled from Syria and reached the emperor in Constantinople
Together they developed Greek fire which prevented the conquest of all of Anatolia and Constantinople
by the Arab Empire in the 7th century
Fuck yea!
Harry Harrison King &I mperator.. Imperator & hammer..books..
Wt"…no head on the tail of the video