The Facts Behind the Fantasy
The Facts Behind the Fantasy
Cleopatra engaged in a bet with Marc Antony. She wagered that she could serve the most expensive dinner party ever. She won the contest by drinking a cocktail containing a pearl, which was then described as, the "largest in the whole of history," according to ancient scribes. Rumors say her drink bubbled and fizzed dissolving the pearl moments before slugging it down.
Fact: Cleopatra was well educated in the art of chemistry . Ancient pages from a book written about cosmetics and perfume still exist, demonstrating her skills.
Fact: Calcium carbonate (pearls) dissolve in vinegar, though it is said to take a minimum of 10 minutes.
Fun Fact: Way back in 41 B.C. nobody wore wristwatches nor were clocks readily available. What may have seemed like only a few minutes to Cleopatra's intoxicated guest could have acctually been much longer. Perhaps just long enough for Cleopatra's concoction to work it's magic.
The Facts Behind the Fantasy
Cleopatra engaged in a bet with Marc Antony. She wagered that she could serve the most expensive dinner party ever. She won the contest by drinking a cocktail containing a pearl, which was then described as, the "largest in the whole of history," according to ancient scribes. Rumors say her drink bubbled and fizzed dissolving the pearl moments before slugging it down.
Fact: Cleopatra was well educated in the art of chemistry . Ancient pages from a book written about cosmetics and perfume still exist, demonstrating her skills.
Fact: Calcium carbonate (pearls) dissolve in vinegar, though it is said to take a minimum of 10 minutes.
Fun Fact: Way back in 41 B.C. nobody wore wristwatches nor were clocks readily available. What may have seemed like only a few minutes to Cleopatra's intoxicated guest could have acctually been much longer. Perhaps just long enough for Cleopatra's concoction to work it's magic.
