Callinicus of Heliopolis

Kallinikos or Latinized Callinicus (Greek: Καλλίνικος fl. 650 AD) was a Byzantine architect[1][2] and chemist from Heliopolis of Syria in Baalbek. 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 Roman Phoenicia who arrived in Byzantium in the time of Constantine IV and shared his knowledge of liquid fire with the Byzantines.[3] Callinicus’ exact formula was a carefully guarded secret, and remains unknown today. Possible ingredients include resin, asphalt, sulfur, naphtha, fine quicklime, and calcium phosphide.[4]

References
  1. "Callinicus of Heliopolis | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
  2. Salam, Abdus; Lai, C. H.; Kidwai, Azim (1989). Ideals and Realities: Selected Essays of Abdus Salam. World Scientific. ISBN 978-981-02-0081-7.
  3. Paul J. Alexander, "The Strength of Empire and Capital as Seen through Byzantine Eyes," Speculum 37.3 (1962) 347.
  4. 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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