The Romans took careful note of the Greeks' fondness for perfumes, going so far as to not just use, but to abuse the use of fragrances. In Rome, personal appearance was very important as it reflected social status. Let's explore the history of perfume in Ancient Rome.
Perfumes in Rome
The Romans perfumed their skin, their clothes and belongings, they perfumed rooms and even public places. They brought exotic aromas from far away, unknown until then, such as wisteria, vanilla, carnation, and lilac. Eastern influence brought with it aromas such as pine, ginger, mimosa, and cedar. They were true perfume enthusiasts; it was there, in Rome, that the first guild of perfumers was established: the unguentarii, respected artisans who passed on their secret recipes to their descendants, protecting their creations, their name, and their business. There were more luxurious perfumes available only to a select few, and others that were more popular.
- Solids, powders, or tablets: a scent made from a single ingredient at a time, such as almond or quince.
- Liquid ointment: made with flowers, spices, and crushed gums in an oily base, usually olive oil.
- Powdered perfume: made with pulverized flower petals to which certain spices were added.
Daily life for the Romans was surrounded by delightful aromas. Bathing was a daily public custom, a social gathering place where, of course, they could perfume themselves to their heart's content. Women were the primary users, but men also indulged in the allure of perfume. The favorite scents were those derived from flowers: narcissus, jasmine, lily, and violet, although they also used oils extracted from substances like sandalwood.
The arrival of Christianity brought about a decline for perfume, as it was considered a luxury and closely associated with seduction—nothing like the messages of modesty and humility that this religion promoted. The use of perfume practically disappeared.
Which perfumes from our catalog would the ancient Romans have liked?
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