The History of Perfume
Journey through 5,000 years of fragrance, from sacred temple incense to modern molecular artistry. Each era brought new techniques, ingredients, and cultural meanings to the art of scent.
Timeline of Fragrance
Primary sources, archaeological finds, and industry records underpin each era
Kyphi incense, Greek theory, and Roman commerce—how early cultures used scent to honour gods and society.
Temple kyphi rituals, mummification oils, and Red Sea trade routes that made Egypt the cradle of perfumery.
Philosophers, apothecaries, and imperial entrepreneurs who commercialised scent across the Mediterranean.
Alembic innovation, medical treatises, and trade networks from Baghdad to Cordoba.
Florentine ateliers, French court patronage, and the rise of Grasse’s flower industry.
Synthetic chemistry, factories, and department stores that democratised fragrance.
Captive molecules, biotech sourcing, and AI-assisted fragrance design from 1900 to today.
Additional Resources
Documentation that supports our historical narratives
Timeline Overview
A chronological index of major inventions, launches, and cultural shifts from 3000 BCE to the present.
Learn more →Famous Perfumers
Biographical profiles of perfumers whose innovations changed how the world smells.
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