First time I actually ever started researching this. Very interesting. This is AI generated BTW, with my assistance.
The earliest evidence of soap-like substances, dating back to around 2800 BC, comes from the ancient Babylonians, with clay cylinders inscribed with instructions on how to make soap by boiling fats with ashes. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here's a more detailed look: [1, 2, 4]
• Ancient Origins: Archaeological evidence suggests that the Babylonians produced soap-like substances by mixing fats (like animal tallow) with ashes from wood or plants around 2800 BC. [1, 2, 4]
• Babylonian Soapmaking: Clay cylinders inscribed with instructions on how to make soap, probably dating back to around 2800 BC, were found. The cylinders described "fats boiled with ashes", according to the Cleaning Institute [1, 2, 3]. [2, 5]
• Sumerian Tablets: A formula for making a soap-like substance was written on a Sumerian clay tablet around 2500 BC. [5]
• Egyptian Use: The Ebers papyrus (1500 BC) from Ancient Egypt mentions the use of soap for cleaning and treating the human body, combining animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to form a soap-like material. [6]
• Soap for Textiles: Historians believe that these early forms of soap were primarily used for cleaning textiles, rather than for bathing. [2, 4]
• Roman Legend: Some believe the word "soap" may have originated from Roman legend about Mount Sapo, where animal sacrifices resulted in rain washing animal fats and wood ashes into the River Tiber. [6]
• Roman Use: By the 2nd century AD, Romans were known for using soap for personal hygiene and in public bathhouses. [7, 8]
Generative AI is experimental.
[1] https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/understanding-products/why-clean/soaps-detergents-history[2] https://www.faithinnature.co.uk/blogs/notes-on-nature/the-history-of-soap[3] https://www.phs.co.uk/resources/the-history-of-soap/[4] https://www.folksoap.co.uk/handmade-natural-soap-benefits/history-of-soap/[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap[6] https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/blogs/news/the-history-of-soap-making[7] https://www.soapandpaperfactory.com/blogs/journal/the-history-of-soap-a-journey-through-time[8] https://www.sandralex.com/en/soap-making/
