What Byzantine weapon consisted of a mixture of chemicals that ignited when exposed to water and was used to drive back Arab fleets attacking Constantinople?

• A. Firebomb
• B. Napalm
• C. Flamethrower
• D. Greek Fire

Answer: (D)

Greek Fire is the name for the Byzantine incendiary weapon famous for catching fire on contact with water, a crucial advantage in naval combat against approaching Arab fleets around Constantinople. The Byzantines allegedly mixed flammable substances—often described as naphtha-based compounds—with other chemicals so that the flame would cling to ships and continue burning even when wet. This made it especially effective at deterring sieges and driving back enemy fleets attempting to attack or block Constantinople’s harbor. The exact recipe was kept secret, but historical accounts emphasize its naval use and its remarkable ability to burn on water, which distinguishes it from more generic or later incendiaries. The other options refer to later or more general incendiary devices, not the distinctive Byzantine weapon tied to the defense of Constantinople.