A red dye called Kermes was made beginning in the Neolithic Period by drying and then crushing the bodies of the females of a tiny scale insect in the genus Kermes, primarily Kermes vermilio. The insects live on the sap of certain trees, especially Kermes oak trees near the Mediterranean region. Jars of kermes have been found in a Neolithic cave-burial at Adaoutse, Bouches-du-Rhône. Kermes from oak trees was later used by Romans, who imported it from Spain. A different variety of dye was made from Porphyrophora hamelii (Armenian cochineal) scale insects that lived on the roots and stems of certain herbs. It was mentioned in texts as early as the 8th century BC, and it was used by the ancient Assyrians and Persians. COUNT 5
QSN1 During what period did people use Kermes vermilio to make red dye? ANS1 Neolithic Period QSN2 What does Kermes vermilio eat to survive? ANS2 the sap of certain trees, especially Kermes oak trees QSN3 From where did Romans acquire Kermes? ANS3 Spain QSN4 What kind of bural was at Adaoutse, Bouches-du-Rhône? ANS4 Neolithic cave-burial QSN5 What was the earliest known writing about dye from Aermenian cochineal? ANS5 8th century BC