Back then, specifically by the ancient Mesopotamians who were among the first to produce it, soap was made through a relatively simple chemical process involving fat and alkali.
Ancient Soap Making Method
The primary method used by ancient civilizations, as demonstrated by the Mesopotamians, involved combining specific natural ingredients and cooking them together. This process is essentially an early form of saponification.
The Process
The reference indicates the method used by Ancient Mesopotamians:
- They would cook fatty acids. These fatty acids typically came from animal sources, specifically "the fat rendered from a slaughtered cow, sheep or goat."
- This animal fat was cooked together with water.
- They also added an alkaline substance. The reference specifies this was likely "lye, a caustic substance derived from wood ashes."
Ingredients
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients mentioned:
- Fatty Acids: Sourced from animal fats (cow, sheep, goat).
- Water: Essential for the cooking process.
- Alkaline (Lye): A caustic substance obtained by processing wood ashes.
The Result
The outcome of cooking these ingredients together was described as a "greasy and smelly goop." Despite its unpleasant texture and odor, this substance was effective at lifting away dirt, serving its purpose as an early cleaning agent.
This historical method highlights the foundational principles of soap making, utilizing readily available natural resources to create a functional product for hygiene or cleaning.
