16. Eύώδεα Κύπρον: Perfumery Production in Ancient Cyprus with Maria Rosaria Belgiorno
Listen now
Description
There are seven olfactory families to categorize fragrances. Yet of the seven, only one is named for a place: Chypre. It's no surprise, then, that Cyprus' importance in perfumery has been known throughout antiquity. Maria Rosaria Belgiorno (Senior Associate Researcher of the Institute for Applied Technology to Cultural Heritage of the Italian National Research Council) has published dozens of articles on the Pyrgos-Mavroraki site in Cyprus, an industrial complex known for its metallurgical, viticultural, and for the purposes of this month's episode, its perfumery production. Her experimental work in recreating the techniques, scents and processes involved in ancient perfumery have been integral in our understanding of Cyprus' role in the production of perfume and its role in ancient life. Cyprus is, after all, Eὐώδεα Κύπρον (Fragrant Cyprus).
More Episodes
Be Happy and Drink Well. Commandaria stands proudly as a testament to the viticultural excellence of Cyprus. In fact, Commandaria holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously produced wines in the world. Though produced for centuries, the roots of Commandaria can be traced back...
Published 11/25/24
Arrian's "Anabasis of Alexander" provides us one of the most reliable accounts of Alexander the Great's campaigns -- including Alexander's Siege of Tyre. The siege, which took place in 332BC, relied heavily on Cypriot and Phoenician naval support and provided Alexander a foothold into the Persian...
Published 11/15/24
Published 11/15/24