Hand Grenade for Greek Fire. Byzantine, X-XII Century AD. Hollow terracotta vessel with wick hole to top and amphora-shaped body and tapered base, linear decoration on top. Originally filled with Greek fire and a rope fuse. Mainly used in naval battles. Greek fire was very effective and feared by sailors, once it got on something it was hard to remove or extinguish. The recipe for Greek fire is not fully known but it likely contained a a mixture of pine tar and and naphtha. An important and unique weapon. 2.75 x 6.25" A few chips, else intact. Rare.