Fashion has often been deadly. Ancient Egyptians, including Nefertiti, lined their eyes with kohl made from toxic minerals such as galena (lead sulphide) or stibnite (antimony), harmful to the brain and kidneys. In the 18th century the beauty Maria, Countess of Coventry, used Venetian ceruse, a lead-based powder, and mercury-based vermilion rouge. The lead formed acids that damaged her skin, and she died at 28. Vermilion, from mercury sulphide, was also used on Roman walls, which could have released toxic fumes. Hatmakers were exposed to mercury used in making felt, giving rise to the phrase 'mad as a hatter'.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.