Previous studies of various spheroconic containers found in museums around the world include:
In a new study, Associate ProfessorGriffith University Carney Matheson confirmed that some of the vessels did contain medicines and some contained aromatic oils. This is consistent with other recent studies of vascular use. However, the scientist also found that some of the vessels contained flammable and possibly explosive materials. This indicates that they were used as ancient hand grenades.
The author of the study explained that the explosivethe substance he found in the vessels and analyzed suggests that it may have been an ancient, locally produced explosive. “This study reveals the varied uses of these unique ceramic vessels, which contain ancient explosive devices,” the scientist noted. Such ancient grenades were used during the Crusades.
Other scientists have suggested that the vesselswere used as grenades and contained black powder, an explosive invented in ancient China and introduced to the Middle East and Europe by the 12th century. They suggested that it was brought much earlier, right in these vessels from the 9th to the 11th centuries. However, new research has shown that it is not black powder, but most likely a locally produced explosive.
The author of the new work noted that some of thesevessels were sealed with resin. “Additional research on these vessels and their explosives will allow us to understand the ancient explosive technology of the medieval period and the history of explosive weapons in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.
The study, “Trace Residue Composition of the Contents of 11th–12th Century Spheroconic Vessels from Jerusalem,” was published in PLOS ONE.
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