Callinicus of Heliopolis
Kallinikos or Latinized Callinicus (Template:Lang-grc-x-medieval fl. 650 AD) was a Jewish Byzantine architect[1][2][3] and chemist from Heliopolis of Syria (modern day Baalbek, Lebanon). He is credited with the invention of Greek fire, a naval weapon somewhat resembling the modern flamethrower. According to Constantine Porphyrogenitus, Callinicus was a refugee from Heliopolis of Syria who arrived in Byzantium in the time of Constantine IV and shared his knowledge of liquid fire with the Byzantines.[4][5] Callinicus’ exact formula was a carefully guarded secret, and remains unknown today. Possible ingredients include resin, asphalt, sulfur, naphtha, fine quicklime, and calcium phosphide.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "Callinicus of Heliopolis | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
- ^ "Callinicus Of Heliopolis". britannica.com. Encyclopedia Britannica. 1 January 2023.
Born in Syria, Callinicus was a Jewish refugee who was forced to flee the Arabs to Constantinople.
- ^ Salam, Abdus; Lai, C. H.; Kidwai, Azim (1989). Ideals and Realities: Selected Essays of Abdus Salam. World Scientific. ISBN 978-981-02-0081-7.
- ^ Forbes, Robert James (1959). More studies in early petroleum history. Brill Archive.
- ^ Paul J. Alexander, "The Strength of Empire and Capital as Seen through Byzantine Eyes," Speculum 37.3 (1962) 347.
- ^ Cheronis, Nicholas D. (1937). "Chemical warfare in the middle ages. Kallinikos' "prepared fire"". Journal of Chemical Education. 14 (8): 360. doi:10.1021/ed014p360. ISSN 0021-9584.
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