Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Tyrian or royal purple was the ancient world's most expensive dye. How much did it really cost?
Explore ancient coin jewelry at Peregrine Pendants: peregrinependants.com
Get behind the scenes with the Peregrine Pendants YouTube channel: youtube.com/@peregrinependants
Upcoming historical tours: toldinstone.com/trips
The Toldinstone Patreon: patreon.com/toldinstone
Check out my other channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Making royal purple
2:14 The color of luxury
2:43 The color of power
3:29 The imperial color
4:35 Peregrine Pendants
5:36 The cost of purple
6:18 Diocletian's Price Edict
6:56 Prices in context
7:50 Conclusion
Tyrian or royal purple was the ancient world's most expensive dye. How much did it really cost?
Explore ancient coin jewelry at Peregrine Pendants: peregrinependants.com
Get behind the scenes with the Peregrine Pendants YouTube channel: youtube.com/@peregrinependants
Upcoming historical tours: toldinstone.com/trips
The Toldinstone Patreon: patreon.com/toldinstone
Check out my other channels, @toldinstonefootnotes and @scenicroutestothepast
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Making royal purple
2:14 The color of luxury
2:43 The color of power
3:29 The imperial color
4:35 Peregrine Pendants
5:36 The cost of purple
6:18 Diocletian's Price Edict
6:56 Prices in context
7:50 Conclusion










