Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

EatFrozenPeas t1_jbs1edk wrote

Reply to comment by DLottchula in The colors on these ancient pots hint at the power of an empire by egg_static5

Brilliant red wasn't accessible until the Colombian exchange. It comes predominantly from cochineal beetles, even to this day. (Red 40, anyone?). Blue existed, but mixing what they had access to would create a muddy, brown- or gray-hued purple instead of the brilliant hue of true royal purple.

21

Oregonoutback t1_jbsor1k wrote

Fun fact... Starbucks strawberry Frappuccino uses a food dye made from those beetles.

Hakuna matata!

2