The Weird and Often Gross History of Pigments with Hannah Herrick
If you’ve ever wondered about the wild, weird, and occasionally disgusting history of colors, you’re in for a treat. In this week’s episode of For the Love of History, we’re joined once again by fan-favorite and resident archaeologist Hannah—a walking encyclopedia of ancient technologies. Together, we dive into the fascinating history of pigments and explore how colors shaped human history, art, and even survival.
From poisonous paints to snail-squeezed purples, this episode is packed with quirky facts, unexpected science, and plenty of laughs. You’ll never look at a paint swatch the same way again!
What’s in This Episode?
🖌️ The Science of Color
Hannah starts with the basics—what is pigment, and how do we even see color? You’ll learn about the visible light spectrum, why magenta technically doesn’t exist, and how your brain tricks you into seeing colors that aren’t there (yes, it’s a thing).
🍊 Orange the Fruit vs. Orange the Color
Did you know the fruit came before the color? English didn’t even have a word for “orange” until the 1500s. Before that, they called it “yellow-red.” That’s right—orange is late to the color party.
👑 Marie Antoinette’s Flea-Colored Dress
Ever heard of the color puce? It literally translates to “flea” in French. Find out how Marie Antoinette turned this questionable shade into a trend after a snarky comment from King Louis XVI.
💀 Deadly and Bizarre Pigments
Lead White: A popular pigment that required… poop and vinegar. And yes, people put it on their faces (looking at you, Queen Elizabeth I).
Orpiment: A golden yellow paint that gave King Tut’s tomb its glow—and was full of arsenic.
Cochineal Red: Did you know your favorite red dye is made by crushing thousands of bugs? (Sorry, vegans.)
🧪 Egyptian Blue: The World’s First Synthetic Color
5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians created a vibrant blue pigment that still shines today. Hannah explains how this “sexy standout” color was made and why it fluoresces under infrared light—making it useful for modern forensics.
🐌 Snails, Purple, and Roman Fashion
Tyrian Purple—the OG royal color—was made by crushing predatory sea snails. It took thousands of snails to dye a single robe, making it worth more than its weight in gold. But here’s the kicker: Emperors reserved the right to wear it, and wearing the wrong shade could literally get you killed.
👀 Colors and Language
Does language shape how we see color? Russian speakers distinguish light and dark blue as separate colors, while Japanese calls green traffic lights “blue.” Hannah also explains why Homer described the sea as “wine-dark” and what that tells us about how ancient Greeks understood color.
Why You Need to Listen
This episode is a perfect mix of science, history, and the downright bizarre. You’ll learn how ancient humans used pigments to create cave art, how the Egyptians crafted synthetic blues, and how people risked death (or poisoning) in the name of fashion. Plus, Hannah’s storytelling and banter with TK keep things light, entertaining, and endlessly fascinating.
About Our Guest: Hannah
Hannah is a seasoned archaeologist finishing her PhD at Simon Fraser University. She’s passionate about ancient technologies, pigments, and the weird ways humans left their mark on history. You can find her experimenting with art, illustrations, and crafts when she's not geeking out about color.
Ready to Dive Into the World of Color?
🎧 Listen to the full episode now and explore the wild history behind the pigments that shaped our world. From ancient caves to Egyptian tombs, you’ll walk away with quirky facts and a new appreciation for the colors around you.
💬 What’s your favorite weird color fact? Drop TK a comment or leave a review!
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