900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Decorated Byzantine "fire grenade" comprising a globular greyish vessel with a short neck, flaring shoulders decorated with incised decoration, and a pointed base. Globular vessels such as this example are frequently interpreted as an early type of hand grenades. It is believed that these jars could have contained an incendiary agent such as the infamous "Greek fire" which was impervious to water, making them invaluable weapons in naval battles. Unfortunately, the recipe for "Greek fire was lost with the fall of the Byzantine empire, but it was likely a petrolum based mixture. Good condition.Size: L:150mm / W:103mm ; 805g; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970-80s then passed by descent.