About ordinary things

My favourite site never fails to inform me of the things I use every day but have never known how or through whom they appeared in the world. Take this for instance. A three-course meal. How did that come into being and who was it 'advocated' by? The listverse has the answer. This was introduced by a slave. Yes, a slave , Ziryab (789-857 AD), a Persian polymath (вот вам и словцо интересное, означающее эрудит): a poet, musician, singer, cosmetologist, fashion designer, celebrity, trendsetter (красиво звучит - законодатель моды), 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:
1. he introduced the idea of a three course meal (soup, main course, pudding) and
2. he introduced the use of crystal for drinking glasses (previously metal was the primary material).
3. 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 –
1. he popularized short hair and shaving for men, and wore different clothes based on the seasons.
2. He created a pleasant tasting toothpaste which helped personal hygeine (and longevity) in the region, and
3. also invented an underarm deodorant. He also promoted bathing twice a day. 

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