
Did you know that imperial or Tyrian purple dye comes from sea snails?! Please join us on April 6th for Dr. Carole P. Biggam’s lecture on Tyrian Purple!
Dr. Carole P. Biggam
“The Search for Tyrian Purple in Early Medieval England”
April 6th, 2023 | 4:00–5:00pm CT | Conrad A. Elvehjem Building, L150
The prestigious and highly expensive purple dye known by various names, such a Tyrian Purple and Imperial Purple, was closely associated with the Roman and Byzantine emperors and others in the most exalted levels of Mediterranean society. This talk will investigate the possibility, as unlikely as it may seem, that shellfish purple dye was seen in Early Medieval England, on the very edge of the “civilized” world. How could the early English afford such southern luxury? Come and find out on April 6th! The lecture will be followed by a small reception for faculty and graduate students.