Fire has been a part of warfare not only since the advent of rockets and torpedoes, but its origins date back far into history. During the battles for Troy, the Greek ships were set ablaze, likely using logs brought from the city. Reports indicate that the first fire techniques were already in use during the Peloponnesian War (428 BC). The author of this unique work delves into the historical origins and explains the historical contexts and developments leading up to the time of the first rockets and fish torpedoes at the end of the 19th century. The introduction to this extensive and fascinating book was written by the experienced officer and military writer Max Jähns. This book is a reprint of the original from 1895.