Who used snails to dye cloth purple?

The ancient Phoenicians are known for using snails, specifically the Murex snail, to produce a purple dye called Tyrian purple. This dye was highly prized in antiquity for its vibrant color and durability, making it a symbol of wealth and royalty. The process of extracting the dye was labor-intensive, requiring thousands of snails to produce a small amount of dye, which contributed to its high value.