Scientists have recently recreated the fragrance of the Roman Empire’s dictator Julius Caesar from over 2,000 years ago, using ingredients such as flowers, fruits, and even the sweat of gladiators.
Julius Caesar was a Roman general and politician who declared himself the dictator of the Roman Empire. It is said that he used a special perfume called “Telinum”, which consisted of a mixture of flowers, fruits, oils, and even the sweat of gladiators.
Portrait of Julius Caesar. (Photo: Getty Images).
The Daily Mail reported that the Egyptians are believed to have invented perfume for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, but it was the Romans who refined this product.
A research team at the Scent Tourism and Culture Association (SCTA) in Turkey, with consulting support from Professor Cenker Atila of the Archaeology Department at Sivas Cumhuriyet University (Turkey), thoroughly studied historical records about Caesar’s perfumes and scents before attempting to recreate it.
The research team concluded that Caesar’s perfume might contain a blend of mint, rose, lemon, bergamot orange, lavender, jasmine, lily, violet, cedarwood, and amber. The last ingredient, according to legend, is the sweat of gladiators. Their sweat was considered noble as it contained blood, dead skin, dirt, and olive oil applied to their bodies before they entered the arena to fight to the death.
The SCTA team simulated the scent of gladiator sweat using patchouli, a fragrant plant known for its intoxicating aroma. Patchouli has an earthy, woody, and musky scent.
The finished product recreating “Telinum” will be sold in Turkey, France, and Italy starting next October, but the price has yet to be revealed.
The research team shared: “Caesar was a famous general and dictator who always attracted public attention with his lifestyle and attire. His perfume has also drawn significant public interest. What did Caesar smell like? What was in his perfume? Where did he get his perfume from, or who made it for him, has always been a matter of curiosity. According to information provided by both ancient writers and works from Caesar’s close friends, most of the ingredients of his perfume have been identified.”
At the age of 31, Caesar had participated in numerous wars and engaged in Roman politics. After many alliances and military victories, he became the dictator of the Roman Empire. He was assassinated and died in 44 BC.
