The ancient Babylonians are the first known people to have used soap.
The Dawn of Soap Making
Archeological evidence points to the ancient Babylonians as the earliest users of soap. Around 2800 BC, they were already familiar with soap making, a skill that has been verified through the discovery of soap-like substances in historical clay cylinders.
Evidence From Antiquity
These clay cylinders are not just artifacts; they offer crucial insights into the soap-making techniques of the time. The cylinders are inscribed with a recipe that describes the method: "fats boiled with ashes," a process that mirrors the basic principles of soap creation.
Key Findings:
- Time Period: Around 2800 BC.
- Location: Ancient Babylonia.
- Method: "Fats boiled with ashes".
- Evidence: Soap-like material in inscribed clay cylinders.
This evidence strongly suggests that the Babylonians were not merely aware of soap making; they had the practical knowledge and the ability to produce it, marking them as the first known civilization to use soap.
