We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there’s evidence of perfumes, incense and even deodorants.

We cannot, of course, go back and sniff to find out. But the literary texts, physical remains of structures, objects, and environmental evidence (such as plants and animals) can offer clues.

So what might ancient Rome have smelled like?

Honestly, often pretty rank

In describing the smells of plants, author and naturalist Pliny the Elder uses words such as iucundus (agreeable), acutus (pungent), vis (strong), or dilutus (weak).

None of that language is particularly evocative in its power to transport us back in time, unfortunately.

But we can probably safely assume that, in many areas, Rome was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. Property owners did not commonly connect their toilets to the sewers in large Roman towns and cities – perhaps fearing rodent incursions or odours.

  • Kyrgizion@lemmy.world
    2·
    3 days ago

    Meh, there were tons of thermopoliae (the mickey D’s of their time) almost everywhere, I’m sure the smell of stew boiling, meat searing and herbs must’ve battled back the stink somewhat.

    • thelittleblackbird@lemmy.world
      2·
      3 days ago

      And without counting that Romans were the first ones in building sewers for the Grey waters, and most of them were not in contact with the air…