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How Spanish conquistadors, and a tiny cactus-dwelling insect, gave the world the color red
The cochineal insect was brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, and held a worth akin to gold and silver. It strengthened Spain's economic influence, provided support for ...
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Cochineals: The tiny insect that changed the world with its red dye
Early Mayan and Aztec civilizations saw red as the color of the gods and farmed this insect for its valuable dye for fabric and food. Arriving in the New World in 1500, the Spanish found that red ...