Archaeologists uncover ancient ‘factory’ used to produce coveted purple dye mentioned in Bible

Archaeologists uncover ancient ‘factory’ used to produce coveted purple dye mentioned in Bible

Purple dye, made from harvesting and crushing mollusks, was highly valued in antiquity

Historians recently unveiled findings about an ancient purple dye factory. Purple dye was valued in ancient times, as seen on the robes of Justinian (inset, right). (Maria Bukin / PLOS; Getty Images)

Archaeologists were able to piece together vat fragments from the factory site. (Moshe Caine / PLOS)

Purple dye was made from crushing the shells of certain types of mollusks. (Moshe Caine / PLOS)

Archaeologists believe that the site at Tel Shiqmona supported industrial-scale dye-making processes. (Moshe Caine / PLOS)