Why ancient civilizations believed this deep-sea creature was a powerful, protective talisman

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Precious coral is more than just a vibrant jewelry material. For millennia, cultures from Rome to India have prized its deep red skeleton, attributing to it mystical, medicinal, and protective powers. Today, this slow-growing marine organism faces modern threats, forcing a re-evaluation of its role in human history.

Precious coral, specifically the genus Corallium, is a marine organism that grows in dark, rocky environments. Unlike the reef-building corals found in shallow, sunlit waters, red coral thrives in the deep sea, often at depths between 10 and 300 meters in the Mediterranean, or even deeper in the Pacific. Its iconic, intense red hue comes from carotenoid pigments embedded within its calcium carbonate skeleton. In its natural state, this skeleton is covered by a soft, bright red skin from which white, polyps extend to feed.

The human fascination with precious coral dates back to antiquity. Ancient Egyptians and prehistoric Europeans used it for decoration, but its value often transcended aesthetics. Romans believed it could protect children from danger and cure snake bites, while in India, it was considered a sacred substance. These beliefs persisted for centuries; as recently as the early 20th century, Italians wore it to ward off the evil eye or treat infertility. In West Africa, it remains a potent symbol of high social rank for kings and chieftains.

The trade of this material has shaped economies and sparked intense geopolitical rivalry. From the Middle Ages, European communities fought for control over Mediterranean coral fisheries. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the town of Torre del Greco in Italy emerged as a global hub for coral manufacturing, even as the industry struggled with regulation and shifting market demands. Today, the species faces significant pressure from intensive harvesting and climate change, particularly in shallow Mediterranean waters where populations have been severely depleted.

Conservation efforts are now critical for the survival of these slow-growing colonies. Marine protected areas, such as those in Banyuls, Carry-le-Rouet, and Scandola, have demonstrated that protection allows coral populations to recover in both size and number. As we continue to value this material for its beauty, the challenge lies in balancing its long-standing cultural significance with the urgent need to preserve these delicate, ancient organisms for the future.

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