History Of Weapons – War at Sea

This is a documentary about naval warfare and the history of weapons. The documentary starts by acknowledging the fact that weapons have existed since the beginning of human civilization and have played a significant role in shaping the destiny of nations.

While weapons have been used to inflict suffering and death upon others, they have also been intended to keep the peace and pave the way for new technologies.

The documentary then goes on to explore the ways in which humans have fought to rule the seas for thousands of years, and how certain weapons have significantly altered the nature of naval warfare.

Specifically, the documentary looks at the torpedo, which allowed smaller ships to take on larger, more powerful vessels, and the cannon, which ruled the seas for centuries and could unleash devastating firepower upon enemy ships.

The documentary also explores a particularly unique weapon: Greek fire. This weapon was developed by the Byzantine Empire during the seventh century and was used to devastating effect against Muslim invaders who were laying siege to Constantinople, the Byzantine capital.

Greek fire was an incendiary weapon that could set enemy ships ablaze and was almost impossible to extinguish with water. It was a closely guarded state secret, and the exact composition of the weapon is still unknown.

In the documentary, weapons expert Steven Bohr attempts to recreate Greek fire by using some of the most likely ingredients that were available during the Byzantine era, such as sulfur, caustic lime, saltpeter, and crude oil.

He also examines the role that oil has played throughout human history, from its early use as a weapon in the Stone Age to its current use as a key component in modern technologies.

Overall, the documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of naval warfare and the many ways in which humans have used weapons to shape the course of history.

It also raises important questions about the role that weapons play in society, and whether or not they truly serve the purpose of keeping the peace.