Chemical and biological weapons are not a modern invention. Humans have been using them for thousands of years. From the exploits, works, and side projects of Hercules to the Trojan War, one will encounter many such examples that can be traced in the writings of Herodotus and Thucydides.

Meghior, an expert in the history of classical times and the history of science, describes how ancient peoples used scorpion bombs, snake venom, naphtha, and the fearsome Greek fire to confront their enemies.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]