Tyrian purple is a rich, deep purple dye that was highly prized in ancient times. It is made from the secretions of the Murex sea snail, specifically the species Murex brandaris and Murex trunculus. The dyeing process is labor-intensive, requiring thousands of snails to produce just a small amount of dye, which made it extremely expensive and a symbol of wealth and power. This dye was especially popular in the Phoenician city of Tyre, from which it gets its name. It was used to color textiles, particularly robes worn by royalty and high-ranking officials. The color was associated with nobility and was often reserved for the elite in various ancient cultures, including the Roman Empire.