Chapter 1
Ancient origins and sacred smoke
Chapter 2
The science of scent in the Golden Age
Chapter 3
European courtly stench and the rise of Grasse
Chapter 4
The modern synthetic revolution
YOUR GOAL
Master of Sniffing out the history of perfume
Ch 1 · Ancient origins and sacred smoke
elorea Origins of Perfume
Through the rising smoke, carried to the gods, perfume found its name.
elorea A glowing Renaissance fresco depicts Egyptian priests preparing sacred incense inside a temple.
Fun Fact
Ancient Egyptian deodorant: Egyptians rubbed citrus and cinnamon mixed with ostrich fat under their arms to fight body odor.
Glossary
incense (noun)
A substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned, typically used in religious ceremonies. Ancient Egyptians burned complex kyphi incense during temple rituals to honor Ra and other deities.
A substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned, typically used in religious ceremonies. Ancient Egyptians burned complex kyphi incense during temple rituals to honor Ra and other deities.
Quiz
Which tree resin was so valuable in the ancient world that it sparked the creation of major trade routes?
Quiz
What does the Latin word 'perfumum,' from which 'perfume' is derived, literally mean?
Quiz
Which ancient civilization used scented bath oils so extensively that even their horses were perfumed?
Quiz
Which sacred Egyptian incense required sixteen ingredients, including raisins and wine?