A new analysis of the objects found in the Garden of Armenia brings new revelations.
A new analysis in ceramic objects of a millennium reveal that it was used as grenades during the time of the Crusades, between the 11th and 12th centuries. The spherical objects with a conical base can be found in museums around the world, and their multiple uses – from carrying liquids to smoking pipes – have been recorded in the history books. However, this nature also made them suitable for transporting explosives and it seems that this was another use for them.
In the analysis of the objects found in the Garden of Armenia, within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, experts analyzed the remains of elements inside them and found explosive materials.
The research showed the multiple uses of these unique ceramic vessels, including their use as ancient explosive devices. There are reports from the time of the Crusades of grenades hitting Crusader fortresses, producing loud noises and bright flashes of light.
Through chemical analyses, the researchers found that the thick-walled and undecorated vessels contained sulfur, mercury and magnesium in much higher proportions than other vessels used to store oils. Some believe they contained gunpowder (which was invented in China in the 9th century), however the team that carried out the analysis believes it is a different explosive.
They think that it may have contained “liquid fire” but it cannot be proven, since the “recipe” for it has been lost in the depths of the centuries and we do not know its exact composition.
Further research into these containers and their explosive contents will allow us to understand ancient explosive technology in the medieval period and the history of explosive weapons in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The research was published in PLoS One.
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