Kallinikos or Latinized Callinicus (Medieval Greek: Καλλίνικος fl. 650 AD) was a Byzantine architect[1][2][3] and chemist from Heliopolis (modern day Baalbek, Lebanon). He is credited with the invention of Greek fire, a naval weapon somewhat resembling the modern 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.[4][5] Callinicus’ exact formula was a carefully guarded secret, and remains unknown today. Possible ingredients include resin, asphalt, sulfur, naphtha, fine quicklime, and calcium phosphide.[6]
