Perfumery from Myth to Antiquity

Abstract

Cosmetics' usage was widespread in antiquity, as a part either of daily life or of specific occasions, such as the burial of the dead and religious rituals.Perfumes in particular were very popular.They were first discovered in Mesopotamia, evolved in Egypt and then made their way to Greece (to the Minoans and Mycenaeans firstly) and the rest of the Mediterranean.They constituted a significant part of rituals, beauty, and commerce.People in antiquity believed that nice fragrances were associated with gods and had a positive effect on health and well being as well as on the social contacts between them.The quality and quantity of a perfume was regarded as a social marker.Many ancient writers, such as Theophrastus, Pliny, Athenaeus, Hippocrates, Xenophon, Aristotle and others, provide several details about the ancient aromas.One thing that can't be doubted is that perfume (either with the form of incense or as oily extract from plants or, later, as a product of alcoholic distillation) has been a significant cosmetic product in all times.

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