The new analysis of ancient ceramic pots from Jerusalem of the 12th-12th century has revealed that some of these ships may have been used as hand grenades during the Crusades.A research team led by Professor Carney Matheson at Griffith University, Australia, analyzed residues from the internal surface of ancient ceramic fragments to find that it was likely to belong to 1,000 -year -old hand grenade. Archaeologists found four fragments in the Armenian Park in Jerusalem. They believe that one of the fragments holding chemicals for explosives “is consistent with medieval hand grenades”.
“This research has shown a variety of uses of this unique ceramic ship which includes ancient explosives,” said Carney Matheson. Molecular archeologists added, “These ships have been reported during the Crusades when the grenade was thrown into the fortress of the Crusaders which produced a loud noise and brought a flash of light”.
According to the study, the other three ships that most likely contain oil, fragrant ingredients and medicines – which are suitable for what is expected from the container. However, the fourth ship – a stone pot with a very thick and without decoration walls – contains residues that refer to the possibility of chemical storage or chemical explosives, the researchers said. The team found sulfur, along with mercury and magnesium, all at a higher level than other pots and the surrounding soil.
Archaeologists do not rule out other potential uses for the fourth pot: fuel source for possible lights or containers for oil. However, they also said that the grenade hypothesis “deserves to be further considered” as a historical story of the battle mentions the use of weapons similar to hand grenades.
The team said that the latest discovery was another evidence for researchers who wanted to understand how far the war fought thousands of years ago. Mr. Matheson said that more studies on these ships and their explosive content were still needed to understand ancient explosive technology in the Middle Ages and the history of explosive weapons in Eastern Mediterranean.
