Tyrian purple

Tyrian purple is a reddish-purple natural dye that was extracted from the mucus of several species of sea snails, especially those in the family Muricidae.

The name Tyrian refers to the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, where the dye was produced and traded.

Tyrian purple was highly valued in antiquity because it did not fade, but rather became brighter with exposure to sunlight and weather.

It was also very expensive and labor-intensive to make, requiring tens of thousands of snails to dye a single garment.

Because of its rarity and cost, Tyrian purple became a symbol of royalty, power, and luxury in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Only the elite, such as priests, kings, emperors, and magistrates, could afford to wear purple clothes or accessories.

The dye was used by various civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Persians, until the fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD.