Brutal Chemical and Biological Warfare Throughout History
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Chapter 1: Historical Instances of Chemical Warfare
Throughout history, the use of various types of weapons—both chemical and biological—has been prevalent until their cruel consequences became evident. This chapter examines several historical events where such weapons inflicted irreversible harm on innocent civilians, who were powerless to influence the outcomes of war.
Section 1.1: The Siege of Kirrha (590 B.C.)
The Cirraean War between Delphi's Amphictyonic League and the city of Kirrha witnessed the deployment of chemical weapons, resulting in catastrophic effects on numerous civilians. The conflict stemmed from the relentless violence Kirrha perpetrated against travelers en route to Delphi. In retaliation, the Amphictyonic League poisoned the water supply with hellebore, a toxic plant.
The poison from hellebore leads to severe swelling of the throat and tongue, potential asphyxiation, and in extreme cases, cardiac failure resulting in death. However, as many inhabitants of Kirrha suffered from acute gastrointestinal issues after the water contamination, travelers could pass through the city without hindrance.
Subsection 1.1.1: Hellebore Poisoning
Section 1.2: The Third Mithridatic War (73-63 B.C.)
Mithridates VI Eupator, fearing assassination by poison, often ingested small quantities of various toxins to build immunity. During the Third Mithridatic War against the Romans, he instructed his archers to use arrows coated with snake venom to inflict prolonged suffering on their adversaries.
Additionally, Mithridates laced honey with poison, causing Roman soldiers to experience hallucinations before succumbing to the toxic treat. This tactic rendered a significant portion of the Roman forces incapacitated against Mithridates' troops.
Chapter 2: Notable Chemical Warfare Tactics
Section 2.1: The Battle of Sandwich (1217)
In the Battle of Sandwich, fought against the French, English commander Baron William D’Albiney stockpiled large quantities of quicklime aboard his vessels. As his fleet approached the French ships, he strategically released the quicklime into the air, creating a blinding cloud that disoriented the French sailors.
Seizing the moment, the English forces swiftly attacked the French vessels, leading to a decisive victory while sparing the knights for potential ransom.
Section 2.2: The Siege of Kaffa (1346)
During the siege of Kaffa in 1346, Genghis Khan's Mongol army faced an outbreak of the Bubonic plague. In a gruesome display of warfare, the Mongols catapulted the bodies of their plague-ridden soldiers over the city walls, intending to infect the inhabitants.
As the infected remains entered Kaffa, the city's residents became susceptible to the deadly disease, ultimately leading to their surrender to the Mongol forces.
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