Italy: Heracles, the supposed discoverer of Tyrian Purple dye, shown capturing the Cretan Bull in a Roman bas-relief, 1st century CE

The Roman mythographer Julius Pollux, writing in the 2nd century BCE, asserts (Onomasticon I, 45–49) that Purple Tyrian dye was first discovered by Heracles, or rather, by his dog, whose mouth was stained purple from chewing on snails along the coast of the Levant.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Jean-Pol Grandmont

Credit:

Pictures From History