Four pieces of ancient pottery were discovered in the Armenian Garden.
One new analysis of 11th-12th-century Jerusalem ceramic vases have revealed that some of these vessels may have been used as grenades during the Crusades.
A team of researchers led by Professor Carney Matheson at Griffith University, Australia, analyzed residue from the inner surface of the ancient pottery shard to discover that it may have belonged to a 1,000-year-old grenade. Archaeologists have discovered four fragments in the Armenian Garden in Jerusalem. They believe one of the fragments contained the chemical ingredients for an explosive device “fit for a medieval grenade”.
Carney Matheson said: “This research has shown the diverse uses of these unique ceramic vessels, including antique explosive devices. The molecular archaeologist added, “These vases were reported during the Crusades when grenades thrown at the Crusader stronghold made a loud noise and carried flashes of light.”
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According to the study, the other three vessels were probably mostly filled with oils, scented materials, and drugs – in line with what to expect from such containers. However, the fourth vase – a very thick-walled and unadorned stone vase – contained residue indicating the potential for chemicals or chemical explosives, the researchers said. The team found sulfur, along with mercury and magnesium, all at higher levels than the other pots and surrounding soil.
Archaeologists have not ruled out other potential uses for the fourth pot: perhaps as a fuel source for lamps or oil tanks. However, they also said that the grenade hypothesis was “worthy of further consideration” as historical documents of the battles mentioned the use of weapons similar to hand grenades.
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The team say that the latest discovery is yet another piece of evidence for researchers looking to understand how war unfolded thousands of years ago. Mr. Matheson said that more research is still needed on these ships and their explosive content to understand the ancient explosive technology of the Middle Ages and the history of explosive weapons in the Eastern Mediterranean.
