Why was purple dye expensive during roman times?

Answer 1

The puple dye used (also known as Tyrian Purple) was obtained by crushing a local sea snail (Murex Brandaris). Some people have estimated it may have taken as many as 10,000 sea snails to dye one toga.

Answer 2

The dye was called imperial, royal or Tyrian purple. It was generally reserved to the emperors or kings. It did not fade easily. Instead, it became brighter with weathering and sunlight. The name Tyrian was after the city of Tyre, in Phoenicia. The Phoenicians had a monopoly on this dye.

This dye was made from the mucous secretions of some species of sea snails found in the eastern Mediterranean. It was so expensive because of the large amount of snails which were needed (requiring large-scale fishing) and because the manufacturing process was very labour-intensive. It took 12,000 snails to produce just 1.4 g of the dye, which could colour only the trim of a garment. The glands were left in salt for three days. Then they were boiled on moderate heat for ten days to liquefy the secretions. The liquid was also skimmed periodically to eliminate the flesh of the glands. The dye was then tested and the liquid was boiled again until the desired colour was obtained. A reddish colour was considered inferior and a blackish hue was preferred. At this point the wool was soaked for five hours, carded and then soaked again until the dye was fully absorbed.

Answer 3

Initially to dye their special clothing, and when the aristocracies of other peoples liked and coveted it, they sold it to them for a very good profit.

Answer 4

Yes, it came from a shell fish found on their coast and was one of its principal exports.