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Callinicus of Heliopolis

0600-00-00 – 0700-00-00

Life & Legacy

Callinicus of Heliopolis (Medieval Greek: Καλλίνικος fl. 620 AD) was a Byzantine architect and alchemist of Jewish or Egyptian origin. He is credited with the invention of Greek fire, the premodern precedent of the flamethrower.
According to Constantine Porphyrogenitus, he arrived in Byzantium in the time of Constantine IV and shared his knowledge of liquid fire with the Byzantines. Callinicus’ exact formula was a carefully guarded secret, and remains unknown today. Possible ingredients include resin, asphalt, sulfur, naphtha, fine quicklime, and calcium phosphide.

Occupation & Career

architect, general contractor, inventor, alchemist

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

Greek fire

Legacy Highlights

Notable Work

Greek fire

Verified Legacy Record

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q705149 — wikidata View source

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