Palmaria Nail

The plastids of Lithothamnion calcareum red algae contain a powerful pigment. It was in the Bronze Age that the Sea Peoples learnt to harness its dyeing power.

The pottery bowls and amphorae found at the site of the famous Uluburum shipwreck off the coast of Turkey show how it was used decoratively.

On the island of Okinawa, centenarians prize algae as an ingredient in food and medicine, as it provides a rich source of iodine and fibre.