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Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs
Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs: Biological and Chemical Warfare in the Ancient World | Adrienne Mayor
10 posts | 5 read | 4 to read
With the news full of talk about bioterrorism and chemical weapons, Mayor's exploration of the origins of biological and unethical warfare is an attention-grabber that follows through with fascinating illustrative episodes.
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Bookwomble
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Pickpick

It's somewhat saddening to realise that although the earliest mythological stories about the use of biochemical weapons came with the moral "too dangerous and inhumane to use", they're still in use today, and causing all the same tragic misery.

Despite (or because of) this chastening theme, this is an engrossing book. The author makes her points well and is clear about what is known and what is speculation and opinion. ????

Bookwomble With some gruesome descriptions of the effects of such items as the Purple Snake poison used by Indian troops against the imaging forces of Alexander the Great, I did feel a somewhat ghoulish and guilty thrill, but anybody interested in mythology, ancient history or military tactics should find this a rewarding read. 6y
LeahBergen That‘s a corker of a title! 6y
Bookwomble @LeahBergen As a pacifist, I hold no truck with the glorification of war and military technology. As a 50+ man-child, I love everything about the idea of scorpion bombs! 😁🦂💣💥 6y
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Bookwomble Oh, and those forces of Alexander's were 'invading'! [Sausage fingers!] 6y
LeahBergen Right? I mean... SCORPION bombs! 😮 6y
vivastory You had me at scorpion bombs 6y
Bookwomble @LeahBergen @vivastory There's just something about those two words together that's so right! Like "salt and vinegar" or "tea and toast". ? 6y
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rwmg
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review
rwmg
Pickpick

How the ancients weaponised nature. Full of fascinating titbits

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rwmg
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Rats/mice, plague and God

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rwmg
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#lunchandabook rice bowl and ginger lychee soda

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rwmg
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😲 Beware of snake skeletons

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rwmg
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Poison arrows, hunting and war

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rwmg
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My cover is more interesting than Litsy's

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dysprosium2
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Pickpick

Really interesting book. It was very readable for a history book. Lots of interesting information and accompanying anecdotes/examples.

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dysprosium2
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Very interesting book so far. Here it is describing how accurate ancient descriptions of snake bites are.

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