Perfumes and Cosmetics in the Ancient World

Since cosmetics and perfumes are still in wide use today, it is interesting to compare the attitudes, customs and beliefs related to them in ancient times to those of our own day and age. Cosmetics and perfumes have been popular since the dawn of civilization; it is shown by the discovery of a great deal of pertinent archeological material, dating from the third millennium BC. - mosaics, glass perfume flasks, stone vessels, ovens, cooking-pots, clay jars, etc., some inscribed by the hand of the artisan. 

Evidence also appears in the Bible, the Talmud (1) and other classical writings, where it is written that spices and perfumes were prestigious products known throughout the ancient world and coveted by kings and princes. The written and pictorial descriptions, as well as archaeological finds, all show how important body care and aesthetic appearance was in the lives of the ancient people. The chain of evidence spans many centuries, detailing the usage of cosmetics by various cultures from the earliest period of recorded history. 

In antiquity, however, at least in the onset, cosmetics served in religious ceremony and for healing purposes. "Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him.. ." (I Sam 16:13). Cosmetics were also connected with cultic worship and witchcraft: To appease the various gods, fragrant ointments were applied to the statuary images and even to their attendants. From this, in the course of time, developed the custom of personal use, to enhance the beauty of the face and the body, and to conceal defects. 

Perfumes and fragrant spices were a precious commodity in antiquity, very much in demand, and at times exceeding even silver and gold in value. Therefore they were a luxury product, used mainly in the temples and in the homes of the nobles and the wealthy. The Judean kings kept them in treasure houses (2 Kings 20:13). And the Queen of Sheba brought to Solomon, "camels laden with spices, gold in great quantity and precious stones." (1 Kings 10:2,10).