The ancient empire of the seafaring Phoenicians was built on two things: secrecy and snails.
Snails, Ships, and Caesars: Why Purple Is the Color of Royalty
The slimy origin of the color preferred by royalty is revealed.
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A Byzantine mosaic of Constantine the Great and Emperor Justinian I presenting Constantinople and St. Sophia Basilica to the Virgin Mary (holding the Christ Child). All three figures are adorned with Tyrian purple robes. Faraways/Shutterstock

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