Amidst an excavation of the ancient Egyptian city Thmuis, researchers uncovered the ruins of a fragrance factory dating back to 300 BC. The site contained tiny glass perfume jars, imported clay amphoras and an ancient sludge. The latter was brought to ancient Egyptian perfume experts who then replicated residue based on recipes—featuring myrrh, cardamom, green olive oil, and cinnamon—found in materia medica texts. (An act that follows the recent bread baked from recovered 4,500-year-old Egyptian yeast.) It is speculated that Cleopatra herself—who made her own perfume in a personal workshop—may have worn this fragrance or something similar. Read more at Atlas Obscura.
Recreating a Perfume Worn in Ancient Egypt
