April
27
/ 2022
Archaeologists have for a long time unearthed clay pots in medieval Jerusalem. But now, a new study shows that some of them were likely ‘ancient hand grenades’. Residues sampled from inside a collection of 11th–12th century ceramic vessels discovered in Jerusalem suggest they were potentially used as ‘hand grenades during the Crusades.’ Until now archaeologists have suggested the sphero-conical artifacts were beer drinking vessels or containers for mercury, oils and medicines. But a new study presents some of them as early explosive weapons. The new research was conducted by Associate Professor Carney Matheson of Griffith University. The researcher confirmed that some of the clay vessels did indeed contain scented oils and medicines, however, his research has determined that some of
