Greek Fire, Poison Arrows and Scorpion Bombs Biological and Chemical Warfare in the Ancient World
Weapons of biological & chemical warfare have been in use for thousands of years. This is the first book to trace biological & chemical warfare to its ancient roots. Drawing on sources ancient & modern, Mayor describes ancient recipes for arrow poisons, booby traps rigged with plague, petroleum-based combustibles, choking gases, & the deployment of dangerous animals & venomous snakes & insects. Also explores the ambiguous moral implications inherent in this kind of warfare: are these nefarious forms of weaponry ingenious or cowardly? Admirable or reprehensible? A highly readable page-turner that will catapult readers into the dark & fascinating realm of ancient war & mythic treachery -- & their devastating consequences.Ó Illustrations.
