[Axenolith]

Purple is, from the Roman era, intimately associated with wealth, power, status and class. Prominently worn by the elite Praetorian Guard also.

[Bob Ireland]

***Purple is, from the Roman era, intimately associated with wealth, power, status and class***

I have forgotten the details, but purple dye came from some rare marine ?mollusk? so that only the rich could afford clothing dyed that way. Red was also a bit uncommon but not as rare as purple.

[lyby]

Purple is, from the Roman era, intimately associated with wealth, power, status and class.

**********************************************

IIRC, in The Book of Acts, Lydia was described as being a merchant of purple cloth.