Tyrian

Relating to Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city-state, or something associated with it. Most notably, this refers to the highly prized Tyrian purple dye, also known as Phoenician purple or imperial purple, extracted from the Murex sea snail. The dye was immensely valuable and used to color textiles, particularly royal garments and liturgical vestments, signifying wealth, power, and prestige. The term can also loosely refer to the culture, people, or artifacts of ancient Tyre, or the rich purplish hue itself.

Tyrian meaning with examples

• The archaeologist carefully examined the fragments of fabric, hoping to identify the tell-tale signs of Tyrian dye that would indicate its royal origins. The vibrant color, once reserved for emperors, hinted at the importance of the find. The discovery offered valuable insight into trade and wealth in the ancient world.
• In the antique shop, a piece of finely woven silk, dyed with Tyrian purple, hung from a mannequin, immediately catching the buyer's attention. The exorbitant price tag reflected both the age and the rarity of the Tyrian dye. This signified its historical significance and its connection to a world of luxury and privilege.
• The artist, inspired by history, recreated the opulent clothing of ancient rulers, their garments a lavish display of Tyrian purple. She diligently studied the complex process of extracting the dye and reproducing its rich and lustrous appearance.
• The museum exhibited a collection of intricate mosaics, their details once enhanced by the presence of Tyrian purple. The loss of the original color was a testament to the ravages of time, but the patterns still told stories of empire and commerce.
• The author, writing a historical fiction, described the bustling harbor of Tyre, teeming with merchant ships laden with goods, including the rare Murex snails, ready to be transformed into Tyrian dye. The narrative vividly captured the city's trade network.