Historical dyes are substances used to color fabrics and materials throughout history. Many dyes were derived from natural sources, such as plants, insects, and minerals. For example, the vibrant blue dye known as indigo comes from the leaves of the indigofera plant, while the rich red dye called cochineal is made from crushed cochineal insects. These dyes played a significant role in trade and culture, influencing fashion and social status. The use of madder for red hues and woad for blue were common in Europe, while saffron and turmeric provided yellow tones. The art of dyeing has evolved, leading to the synthetic dyes we use today.