Historical story

Perfumes in Ancient Rome:Containers for the Rich and the Poor

Perfumes in Ancient Rome had alabaster containers if they were luxury fragrances, glass if they were cheap

perfumes in Ancient Rome , especially in imperial times , were very popular and used.

People of all sexes and ages used them.

But how they were prepared, what were the ingredients main and in which containers were they preserved?

The sources ascertain that in the first century A.D. there were specialized shops in the city precisely in the packaging of these odorous ointments; they were obtained from maceration in vegetable oils of various natural substances, including mainly flowers, herbs and resins.

Obviously, as in every era, there were also luxury fragrances in Rome , intended for those who could afford to spend large sums for their toilet, and other cheaper and more accessible.

The former were generally contained in precious and very expensive alabaster ampoules , while for the others simple glass bottles were enough , affordable even for the less rich.

Perfumes in Ancient Rome were liked by both women and men, although among the latter there were those who considered them a useless frivolity.

The rude and "country" Emperor Vespasiano belonged to this category (as can be seen in this anecdote concerning him:https://www.pilloledistoria.it/13469/storia-antica/imperatore-vespasiano-un-simpatico-aneddoto-raccontato-da-svetonio) ( Photo gives: madeinpompei.it).