Ancient World

History of perfume

The word perfume is used today to describe scented mixtures and is derived from the Latin word per fumus (lit. 'through smoke'). The word perfumery refers to the art of making perfumes. Perfume was produced by ancient Greeks, and perfume was also refined by the Romans, the Persians and the Arabs. Although perfume and perfumery also existed in East Asia, much of its fragrances were incense based. The basic ingredients and methods of making perfumes are described by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia.

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See also

• ▸Katharine Woolley
• ▸HMAS Whyalla (J153)
• ▸Grave Circle B, Mycenae

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