Spanish archaeologists uncovered perfumes that had hardened over two millennia during excavations at a mausoleum in Seville. The fragrant substance was sealed inside a carved flask made from rock crystal (quartz). The flask rested in a burial urn alongside the cremated remains of a wealthy woman who was between 30 and 40 years old. Next to the unusual vessel lay a fabric pouch containing three amber beads. The report says five more urns holding the remains of other family members were buried in the mausoleum.
The find shows that, like other ancient Romans, the people buried there cared about fragrances. Scents were used in daily life and on special occasions such as funerals and embalming. Perfumes were also applied as ointments.
Scientists from the University of Córdoba in Spain led the analysis. They identified the composition of the ancient fragrance. To do that, the team used analytical methods including X-ray diffraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Secret Ingredients
First and foremost, the team identified patchouli essential oil in the perfume. Patchouli is a tropical herb commonly used in modern fragrances and is associated with mood-lifting and aphrodisiac effects.
They also detected a plant oil, most likely olive oil, though further tests are needed to confirm.
The flask that contained the ancient fragrance was carved from rock crystal in the shape of an amphora. This was a very rare and expensive container for perfumes, as they were typically stored in blown-glass vessels, according to IFLScience.
The report says quartz flasks were luxury items in ancient Rome. What makes this find extraordinary is that the tiny amphora was tightly sealed with a dolomite stopper and contained a hardened mass of fragrance.
Archaeological excavations have long recovered many Roman vessels used to store perfumes or ointments, but until now little was known about the composition and origin of the substances those flasks contained.
