A brief history of soap making

[print-me do_not_print=”.emoji”]The History of Soap Making – Brief version!

by Brad “Palaka” Wardle
Archaeologists have documented that ancient Babylonia was making soap as far back as 2800 BC by mixing animal fat and wood ashes together. Ancient Egypt (1500 BC) was mixing oils, animal fats and alkaline salts to make soap. The Phoenicians and Romans also share history of soap making and the name soap came from the Celts who called it “saipo” from which the word soap comes.
Not only was soap expensive throughout the early world, (so expensive that only the wealthy could afford it), it was also reported to have a very unpleasant aroma. The unpleasantness most likely came from animal fats which were saved (non refrigerated of coarse) until there was enough for soap making (usually once a year) and no doubt the fats had soured by then. Plus…

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