Did you know that soap was once taxed as a luxury item? Or that it played a crucial role in WWI ammunition production? Journey through 5,000 years of surprisingly dramatic soap history in this fascinating episode of Dormant Knowledge.

From ancient Babylonian clay tablets describing the first soap recipes to medieval guilds guarding their trade secrets, from the chemistry of saponification to modern environmental concerns, discover how this everyday item has shaped civilization in unexpected ways. Learn why the Romans preferred oil and scrapers to soap, how soap-making guilds operated like medieval tech companies, and why understanding soap chemistry helped us combat COVID-19.

Deb explores the molecular magic of how soap actually works, the industrial revolution that made it affordable, and the craft soap renaissance bringing artisanal techniques back into vogue. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered about the science behind getting clean or the hidden history in their shower.

Sweet dreams and sudsy knowledge await in this gentle deep-dive into one of humanity's most essential inventions.

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