SCENTS & RITUALS: THE ART OF PERFUMES IN ANCIENT ROME

In the Roman world, perfumes occupied a prominent place in both everyday life and religious rituals. They were considered a symbol of luxury and nobility and were used not only by the nobility and the wealthy, but also to decorate homes and perfume clothing.

The scents of Roman perfumes were diverse and often exotic. Flowers such as rose and jasmine, spices such as cinnamon and myrrh, and resins such as frankincense were frequently used. Essential oils were obtained through distillation or maceration, and perfumers, called " unguentarii ," played a key role in the creation of these fragrances.

“Roses, violets, and irises, all these scents are gifts from the gods.”

Ovid (The Metamorphoses, Book 10)

In addition to the usual floral and spice scents, the Romans also knew a variety of other fragrances. These include:

Aromatic herbs : Rosemary, thyme and mint were often used for their pleasant fragrance and medicinal properties.

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Fruits : Fruity scents, such as citrus fruits or dried fruits, were also appreciated.

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Fragrant woods : Sandalwood and cedar were used for their rich aroma and in perfume making. Pine was valued for its fresh, woody aroma and was often used in perfume blends and in construction.

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Resins and balsams : Myrrh and benzoin add resinous and balsamic notes to perfume blends. Frankincense was used in ceremonies and as an offering.

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Musk and Amber : Although less common, these ingredients were used for their intense and captivating scent and were often reserved for the most precious perfumes.

Perfumes were not limited to simple body perfumery; they also had strong symbolic connotations. They were often associated with beauty, love, and social status. The Roman elite used more elaborate and expensive blends, thus strengthening their position in the social hierarchy. In religious contexts, perfumes were used in sacrifices and ceremonies, lending their use a spiritual dimension.

Perfume production was a thriving industry, and the Romans imported many exotic ingredients from faraway regions such as Egypt and India. This trade exchange testifies to the importance of perfume in Roman culture, a legacy that still influences modern perfumery today.

-Charlotte Gautier

Customer advisor