Greek Fire, Poison Arrows & Scorpion Bombs: Biological and Chemical Warfare in the Ancient World. Adrienne Mayor | 
pickIt'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
