Classical Greece & Rome

800 BCE - 500 CE

The classical civilizations of Greece and Rome transformed perfumery from a purely religious practice into a sophisticated art of daily life. While Greeks pioneered the philosophical understanding of fragrance, Romans industrialized its production, creating the first commercial perfume empire that would influence the Western world for centuries.

Greek Philosophy

Greeks viewed perfume as a divine gift and studied its effects on the mind and spirit. They associated different scents with specific gods and developed theories about fragrance's therapeutic properties.

  • Rose dedicated to Aphrodite
  • Mint sacred to Persephone
  • Laurel honored Apollo
  • Perfume used in athletic competitions
Roman Luxury

Romans turned perfume into a status symbol and commercial enterprise. They established the first perfume shops, created elaborate public baths scented with oils, and even perfumed their pets and military standards.

  • Perfume shops on every street corner
  • Scented public baths (thermae)
  • Perfumed wine and food
  • Fragrant military banners

Classical Innovations

Steam Distillation

Greeks refined distillation techniques, improving the extraction of essential oils from flowers

Commercial Production

Romans created the first perfume factories and established trade guilds for perfumers

Scent Classification

Developed early fragrance categories based on ingredients and intended use

Notable Figures

Theophrastus (371-287 BCE)

Greek philosopher and botanist

Wrote "Concerning Odors," the first scientific treatise on perfumery. He classified scents by their sources and effects, laying groundwork for modern fragrance theory.

Dioscorides (40-90 CE)

Greek physician and pharmacologist

Authored "De Materia Medica," documenting the medicinal and cosmetic properties of aromatic plants. His work remained the standard reference for 1,500 years.

Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE)

Roman naturalist and writer

Documented Roman perfume practices in his "Natural History," including detailed descriptions of ingredients, preparation methods, and social customs surrounding fragrance use.

Classical Fragrances

Rhodinon

A Greek rose perfume considered the finest fragrance of the ancient world. Made from roses grown on the island of Rhodes, it commanded astronomical prices throughout the Mediterranean.

Susinum

A Roman lily perfume that became the signature scent of the upper classes. Made from white lilies macerated in oil, it was prized for its pure, clean fragrance.

Cyprinum

A complex perfume featuring henna, cardamom, and myrrh. Originally from Cyprus, it became popular throughout the Roman Empire and was often used in religious ceremonies.

Lasting Influence

The classical world established perfumery as both art and science. Greek philosophical approaches to fragrance and Roman commercial innovations created the foundation for modern perfumery. Their classification systems, extraction methods, and understanding of scent's psychological effects continue to influence perfumers today.