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LOT 0788
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (932 grams, 15.2 cm).
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16.
FootnotesApart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0788
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
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Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant with Bead Necklace
Circa 10th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £104
Composed of later restrung ceramic beads together with a central cruciform pendant displaying punched ring-and-dot motifs to one face, possibly representing the Five Wounds of Christ. 6.1 grams, 50 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 932 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp Group
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £67
Comprising: one sub-rectangular in form with Greek capital letters (Mi, Iota, Iota, Tau and Tau, Iota, Eta) in raised relief, suspension lug to reverse; a leaf-shaped stamp with lugs to the perimeter and three raised letters to the centre, suspension lug to reverse. 40.8 grams total, 38 mm each
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The larger bronze stamps are generally known in the relevant literature as bread stamps. These were used on the bread consecrated during the Holy Liturgy and then given to the believers as the Body of Christ during the Holy Communion, as well as to the bread which was given as a present at the end of the Liturgy, as 'Blessed bread' or Antidoron. Similar seals are still used today in the Orthodox Church.
