6 Everyday Things That Were Considered Ancient Luxury Items
In the modern world, we have access to so much more than our ancient counterparts. Today, many of the ancient luxury items reserved for Kings and Queens have now become commonplace in our homes. Luxury items are based on supply and demand, and you may be surprised by some of these six ancient luxury items that are now everyday occurrences in our lives.
6. Tyrian Purple
Starting our list of ancient luxury items is Tyrian purple. The dye is also known as royal purple or imperial purple, as it was reserved for royalty, nobles, or other high-class people who could afford it. The reason the reddish-purple dye was so expensive was because of the extraction process. The dye was made from the murex shellfish, which required a delicate extraction from the organisms to produce the precious color.
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5. Cedar
Fifth on our list of ancient luxury items is cedar. Unlike other items on this list, cedar has a spiritual significance that bolstered its actual value in ancient cultures. For example, in Sumerian mythology, cedar was akin to the Tree of Life, embodying power, secret knowledge, and immortality. Cedar was used in many ways, from carvings in Egyptian tombs to Lebanese ships and construction. Since it is resistant to rot and insects, the lumber could withstand a lot more than other materials.
4. Aluminum
Next up on our ancient luxury items list is aluminum. While commonly used today to bake in the oven or as soda cans, aluminum had a more luxurious start. The ore wasn’t discovered until 1821, and by the time scientists were able to extract the metal, aluminum was considered an “elite” material reserved for ornaments and luxury items. Eventually, the aluminum was used for other things and is now a staple in most people’s kitchens.
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3. Copper
Rounding out the top three ancient luxury items is copper. While still valuable today, copper wiring and tubing are present in almost every home, and lots of it. Copper is one of the few metals that can be used in its natural form, compared to extraction from an ore. It was the first metal to be smelted from its ore, the first to be cast in a mold, and the first to be alloyed with tin to create bronze. Copper allowed the Bronze Age, and the eventual path towards larger cities, bigger technological pursuits, and more.
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2. Salt
Second on our list of ancient luxury items is salt. You might be sprinkling this seasoning on your meal right now, but salt used to be a huge commodity central to civilization. Present in ancient cultures around the world, salt was deemed high value for two reasons: its dietary nature and its preservative quality. Humans need to eat salt to survive, and using salt to store food over extended periods allowed traders to go farther with their wares. At one point, salt was even used as ancient currency, proving its value to humans.
1. Coffee
Last but not least on our list of ancient luxury items is coffee. Most people cannot start their morning without at least one cup of coffee, but in ancient times, coffee was almost impossible to come by. The origin story says coffee was discovered 1200 years ago by an Ethiopian goat herder who noticed his goats eating bright red berries and getting “rowdy.” Taking a few for himself, the rest is history. But, due to growing locations and traveling time, coffee was a luxury reserved for the highest buyers.
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