Byzantine Mould-Blown Aubergine Glass Jar

Of piriform shape with a band of stamped roundels to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick and used as a hand grenade. 664 grams, 11.6 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.

Composed of irregular coral and glass beads, featuring a gold Solidus coin pendant of Emperor Heraclius; modern screw clasp. 29.17 grams, 38 cm long



From an important North London collection formed before 1980.

One with incised lines and punched crescent; one with seriffed Chi Rho symbol. 7.32 grams total, 18-24 mm



From the collection of an EU gentleman formed in the 1990s. Acquired on the UK market.