Archimedes' "death" ray was a device purported to have been used to burn attacking Roman ships during the Siege of Syracuse (c. 214–212 BC). The 2nd century AD author Lucian wrote that during the Siege of Syracuse, Archimedes destroyed enemy ships with fire. Centuries later, Anthemius of Tralles mentions burning-glasses as Archimedes' weapon. The weapon has been the subject of ongoing debate about its credibility since the Renaissance. This photograph, however, proves it's existence.