I found some wonderfully interesting information for you. When we were exploring the Castello Maniace on the point at Ortigia, Siracusa, we came across an exhibition of things discovered while excavating the ruins.
In the 16th century, with the discovery of gun powder, the first arms were invented. Hand bombs, or grenades, that were thrown manually after a fuse had been lit, were also developed. In order for the grenade to explode next to its target, it was given a triggering mechanism that provoked the explosion when it hit an object.
Now here is the interesting bit…originally these bombs were called grenades because they looked like pomegranates. (granata)
They were made out of metal or ceramic. They were circular with a hole where the gunpowder could be loaded.
It would be much safer just to throw pomegranates.
We visited the castello shortly after it was restored on 2011. Beautiful location!
By: Francis on April 22, 2016
at 5:11 am
It is a great spot. We loved Ortigia…there will be more later.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 6:01 am
A flaming grenade is the symbol of the Italian carabinieri and it is also shown on the uniforms of many artillery forces throughout the world.
By: Mulino Dominillo on April 22, 2016
at 5:22 am
Men are very good a devising ways to kill each other.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 6:02 am
That conjures up pomegranates with little fuses sticking out of the top:). Much more fun than grenades – and those grenades look particularly devilish.
By: Jan on April 22, 2016
at 5:24 am
They do look a bit evil.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 6:00 am
I thought Pomegranate was Melengrana?
By: Liz Litzow on April 22, 2016
at 5:28 am
The Italian for pomegranate is melograno, but this could come from Spanish or Greek or another language. Sicily has had the lot.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 5:59 am
Yes it is interesting but I thought you were going to say that they used cane toads. !!!!
By: Lyn on April 22, 2016
at 5:49 am
Poor cane toads!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 6:00 am
never
By: Lyn on April 22, 2016
at 6:27 am
Read Toad Rage by Maurice Gleitzman.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 6:57 am
I love that! The interesting things I learn from you, and your blog.
By: sheilasunshine on April 22, 2016
at 5:53 am
I love these little bits of information.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 6:00 am
If they threw pomegranates, imagine all the jam that could be made after a war!
By: kathyhill on April 22, 2016
at 7:08 am
That would be a good result.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 7:34 pm
Always interesting to learn how a word was created
By: Mallee Stanley on April 22, 2016
at 2:44 pm
I like these interesting details.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 22, 2016
at 7:35 pm
That is just so interesting. They are works of art really though with a horrible purpose. Thanks Debra.
By: Maree on April 22, 2016
at 11:01 pm
I’m sure we would have been much better off if gunpowder had not been invented.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 23, 2016
at 4:51 am
Merciful heavens – what a stunning piece of information! c
By: Cecilia Mary Gunther on April 22, 2016
at 11:13 pm
I thought so…I will be boring people at parties with this.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 23, 2016
at 4:51 am
Haha there’s also another fruit that they remind me of. It’s an Asian fruit that has spikes on the outside but is more oval in shape! 🙂
By: Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella on April 24, 2016
at 11:54 am