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The History Of Soap: From Ancient Mesopotamia To P&G
Ancient Mesopotamia
The ancient Mesopotamia civilization was the origin-place for many inventions including scriptures, wheels, and .. soap.
The first evidence of a soap-like substance was in 2800 BC, in Mesopotamia, inhabited by the Sumerians. The oldest soaps, made by using animal fats with wood ash and water, were used to wash wool, treating skin diseases, and also for ritualistic purposes by Sumerian priests.
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Ancient Mesopotamia
The ancient Mesopotamia civilization was the origin-place for many inventions including scriptures, wheels, and .. soap.
The first evidence of a soap-like substance was in 2800 BC, in Mesopotamia, inhabited by the Sumerians. The oldest soaps, made by using animal fats with wood ash and water, were used to wash wool, treating skin diseases, and also for ritualistic purposes by Sumerian priests.
Egyptians And Babylonians
In 1500 BC, the ancient Egyptians devised ways to make soap-like components using alkaline salts and oil. This was further enhanced by the Neo-Babylonians, by adding ashes, cypress extracts, and sesame oil.
The Romans
The Latin word for soap ‘Sapo’ is mentioned in an ancient encyclopedia (penned in circa 77 AD) by a Roman Naturalist Pliny the Elder. The author talked about how the product was used more by the Gaulish and Germanic men rather than Romans (which preferred to scrap their skins clean by using essential oils and white sand).
A Greek physician Galen writes about soap and its use in the Roman empire in 2nd century AD.
The Medieval Times
The use of soap and even the act of bathing turned into something undesirable and was discouraged after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. The church institutions linked the use of soap to pagan ways.
In the later years, soap made a comeback and the ongoing cultural invasions in the European region contributed to its widespread use and different techniques of manufacturing.
Soap For Everyone
Before the 18th century, soap usage was a small scale, mostly among the wealthy, as it was a niche product, which gave off an unpleasant aroma due to the animal fat inside.
In the 19th century Crimean War, the British suffered many casualties from widespread diseases, which led to new hygiene regulations and eventually widespread usage of soap, which by then had other aromatic ingredients like palm oil and coconut essence.
The Modern Times
Early 20th century, soap was marketed heavily on radio and TV as a mass-consumed commercial product by Procter & Gamble, which led to the term ‘soap operas’. P&G saw great demand and spent $10 million a year in advertising alone.
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The scientific revolution
Human history is often framed as a series of episodes, representing sudden bursts of knowledge. The Agricultural Revolution, the Renaissance, and the Industrial Revolution are a few examples where ...
Pseudo-Science
Much of the knowledge about the natural world during the middle ages dates back to the teachings of the Greeks and Romans. Many did not question these ideas, despite the many flaws.
- Aristotle taught everything beneath the moon was comprised of four elements: earth, air, water, and fire.
- Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy thought that heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon, planets and various stars all revolved around the earth in perfect circles.
- The ancient Greeks and Romans held to the idea that illnesses were the result of an imbalance of four basic substances and was related to the theory of the four elements.
Rebirth and Reformation
- During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in the arts and literature. It led to a shift toward more independent thinking.
- In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther promoted his thoughts by printing and distributing them, encouraging churchgoers to read the Bible for themselves. This led to the Protestant Reformation.
- In the process, the criticism and reform led to placing the burden of proof ahead in understanding the natural world, paving the way for the scientific revolution.
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An Ethiopian Legend
The story goes that that Kaldi discovered coffee. He noticed his goats became energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree.
Kaldi shared his findings with the abbot of a monastery, ...
The Arabian Peninsula
Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula. Coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia. By the 16th century, it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey.
Coffee was enjoyed in homes and also in the many public coffee houses. Coffee houses quickly became such an important center for the exchange of information that they were often referred to as “Schools of the Wise.”
Coffee Comes to Europe
By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent. Despite the controversy, coffee houses were quickly becoming centers of social activity and communication in the major cities of England, Austria, France, Germany, and Holland.
Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drink beverages of the time — beer and wine.
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The Earliest Banking Systems
- The earliest banking systems date back to 8000 BCE when trade was recorded in a log, keeping a written note of the transactions.
- Mesopotamia was the home o...
Banking Systems In The Medieval Period
Brokerage and loans started in an advanced form with merchant banks, though crop loan was still used for lending and credit activities.
Italy was the home of the earliest banks (which evolved into the modern banks), and even the word ‘bankrupt’ comes from the Italian word ‘Banca Rotta’.
Banks Between The 17th And The 19th Century
- London was where the biggest action was in the banking world, with the Goldsmiths of London being the first proper bank. Services like vaults, bank debts, deposits (made inside the bank) and loans became popular.
- Banknotes were first offered by the Bank Of England and were called promissory notes. Soon other services like cheques and overdrafts followed.
- The Rothschilds started their financing business in the 19th century, eventually becoming the richest family in history.
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