Flamethrower Technology in China:
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
3 min read
Flamethrower technology in China has deep historical roots, with one of the earliest documented instances appearing in the 11th-century military treatise *Wujing Zongyao*. This ancient manuscript provides a detailed illustration of a Chinese flamethrower—an intricate device composed of a tube and multiple chambers mounted on a wooden box. Designed for use in warfare, this flamethrower was capable of projecting a stream of fire toward enemy forces, offering a fearsome and effective means of both psychological and physical combat.
The Chinese device was notably influenced by the legendary "Greek fire" of Byzantine-era Greece, a 7th-century innovation known for its ability to continue burning even on water. This incendiary weapon used a siphon-like hose to shoot flaming liquid at enemy ships, playing a decisive role in naval warfare. Adapting this concept, Chinese engineers incorporated their own technological insights and materials to refine the flamethrower into a more structured and possibly more versatile weapon. This evolution highlights the global exchange of military knowledge in pre-modern times and reflects the enduring ingenuity of ancient military science.
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