Kallinikos or Latinized Callinicus (Medieval Greek: Καλλίνικος fl. 650 AD) was a 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, Kallinikos was a Jewish architect who fled from Syria to Constantinople due to his concerns about the Arabs capturing his city. He 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

  1. ^ "Callinicus of Heliopolis | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
  2. ^ "Callinicus Of Heliopolis". Born in the city of Heliopolis (Syria), there is little information regarding Callinicus' origin and early years.
  3. ^ Salam, Abdus; Lai, C. H.; Kidwai, Azim (1989). Ideals and Realities: Selected Essays of Abdus Salam. World Scientific. ISBN 978-981-02-0081-7.
  4. ^ Forbes, Robert James (1959). More studies in early petroleum history. Brill Archive.
  5. ^ Paul J. Alexander, "The Strength of Empire and Capital as Seen through Byzantine Eyes," Speculum 37.3 (1962) 347.
  6. ^ 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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