"The first known case of chemical warfare" Topic

"Chemical warfare has been one of the most brutal, effective, and inhumane forms of warfare in history.

Chemical warfare was notorious for being used during the First World War, which killed and disfigured hundreds of thousands; but this was not the first true instance of chemical warfare in history.

The earliest known case took place around the 3rd century AD in the lands of Syria, where the Romans and the Sasanian Persians clashed over the Levant for the strategic military fortifications and rich farming that produced high yields of grain each year…."

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Armand

Chemical warfare is certainly fascinating in a brutal nightmarish way, but I don't know that I would call it one of the most effective forms of warfare in history. The use of poison gas in WWI continues to grab attention because it was so horrific, and the personal toll on those exposed was so high. But what was its real strategic impact? What would have been different if it had never been used, on the macro level? The number of casualties it caused bares no comparison to the artillery, or the effects of blockade for example.

'Greek fire' or 'naptha' was certainly in use by Byzantium in the 7th Century AD. I have a vague recollection that it was used much earlier, but can't substantiate the suspicion. Please help, anybody.

Thanks.

Armand