Archaeologists recreate the smells of ancient Rome

Archaeologists on the island of Cyprus have unearthed the oldest known perfume factory in the Mediterranean. The facility, which specialized in olive oil production and related industries, dates back to the 2nd millenium, B.C. The area was abandoned after an earthquake and a massive fire around 1850 B.C., leaving a perfectly preserved facility with intact vessels and furnishings. The team of Italian scientists has recreated the scent extraction and production methods, recreated the 14 essences that were being made in the factory, and put it on exhibit in Rome. “The Perfumes of Aphrodite and the Secret of Oil” is open to the public through September 2, 2007, at Rome’s Musei Capitolini.