08-23-2008, 09:21 PM
Quote:Did the Byzantine flamethrower boast a continuous or interrupted stream of flame?
Well,
According to Anna KomneneThe Alexiad, book 11, trans. Elizabeth A. Dawes.)
"Eleemon very boldly attacked the largest vessel at the stern, but got entangled in its rudders, and as he could not free himself easily he would have been taken, had he not with great presence of mind had recourse to his machine and poured fire upon the enemy very successfully. Then he quickly turned his ship round and set fire on the spot to three more of the largest barbarian ships."
"Poured" implies a continuous stream of liquid, so in this case, yes, the flamethrower boasts a continuous stream of liquid flame.
Kind regard,
HHornblower
Hans Nielsen
Hans Nielsen