An alabaster vase with a more than 2,000-year-old fragrance was found in the town of Carmona, in Seville, Spain – where the great Roman city of Carmo was once located – in 2019. The discovery was recently published in the Swiss scientific journal heritage.
The vase was hidden in a burial tomb, and was part of the buried person’s belongings. After research, it was proven that the fragrance, hidden in a vase made of blown glass, belonged to a wealthy family at the time.
The remains of six different individuals were found in the tomb, three men and three women.
After studies, the University of Córdoba discovered the scent that would be used in Ancient Rome: patchouli, an essential oil extracted from an Indian plant, in which the shrub is of the mint family.
Considering the excellent condition of the materials found, the investigation has the potential to make further discoveries about Roman culture and practices.
The study of Roman perfume is not just about discovering the use of patchouli, it also helps scientists and historians better understand the Roman upper class, the empire’s trade route, and the global connections they would have established 2,000 years ago.
Source: CNN Brasil
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