Natural dyes

Alexander the Great is believed to have tricked the Persians into thinking that his army was injured, by sprinkling his soldiers with a red dye, most likely madder juice, which contains the dye alizarin.

The dark blue indigo dye has been known for over 4000 years. When the Romans attacked England, they found that the country was populated by people who tattooed and painted themselves with indigo. The name the Romans gave to these people, Briton, means 'painted men'.

A piece of fabric discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamen was found to have been dyed with madder.

A legend recorded on coins implies that Hercules, the god of strength, discovered Tyrian purple. His dog bit into a snail which discolored his jaws purple.