Tyrian Purple

Tyrian purple is a rich, vibrant dye that originated from the ancient city of Tyre in present-day Lebanon. It was made from the secretions of sea snails, specifically the Murex species. This dye was highly prized in antiquity for its deep color and was often associated with royalty and nobility due to its rarity and the intensive labor required to produce it. The process was costly, making items dyed in Tyrian purple symbols of wealth and power. It played a significant role in ancient trade and culture, influencing fashion and status in various civilizations, especially in Rome and Byzantium.