Kallinikos or Latinized Callinicus (Medieval Greek: Καλλίνικος 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]

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References

  1. "Callinicus of Heliopolis | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
  2. "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.
  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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