An Impressive Persian...!

Sometimes just one man can make some very impressive contributions to us all!

Until recently I had never heard of this man, but the list of things he brought to us is very important...at least in my opinion! He certainly deserves more than a casual study, I think!

Ziryab

The Slave Who Changed Society

Ziryab (789-857 AD) was a Persian polymath: a poet, musician, singer, cosmetologist, fashion designer, celebrity, trendsetter, strategist, astronomer, botanis, geographer and former slave. Most people have never heard of Ziryab, yet at least two of his innovations remain to this day: he introduced the idea of a three course meal (soup, main course, pudding) and he introduced the use of crystal for drinking glasses (previously metal was the primary material). He introduced asparagus and other vegetables into society, and made significant changes and additions to the music world. He had numerous children, all of whom became musicians, and spread his legacy throughout Europe. He could perhaps be considered an ancient Bach.

The list of societal changes Ziryab made is immense – he popularized short hair and shaving for men, and wore different clothes based on the seasons. He created a pleasant tasting toothpaste which helped personal hygeine (and longevity) in the region, and also invented an underarm deodorant. He also promoted bathing twice daily.

Quite a list of changes brought to society by this gentleman, would'nt you say? We might have to dig into his history a little more!

Coffee in the kitchen again this morning. I'll set out the Girl Scout cookies!