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A finding demonstrates that they dressed and even perfumed

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The art of Roman empire He has always been in the spotlight, but still surprises archaeologists. Every year some find That leaves us with my mouth open.

Although we think that we already know everything, sometimes archaeologists find a new unexplored color or elements that break with everything we thought about their art.

This is what has happened with a new study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology. According to archaeologist Cecilie Brøns, the statues were not only polychrome and adorned with clothes and jewels.

The reality is that It was very common for perfume to also be added. That is, they were designed not only to enjoy themselves through the view, but with all possible senses.

The finding that would demonstrate a hidden truth about the Roman statues

Some think that the latest innovations in cinematography are something unique in history. The latest fashion is the movie theaters in which, according to the scene, the seat moves or even transmits aromas.

But and if that concept had already existed thousands of years ago? Brøns’ study could have demonstrated it, since it breaks with the idea that the statues of the Roman Empire was only conceived to be seen.

According to archaeological research, they were also designed to be smell. In fact, this practice had a name: Kosmesis. For some historians, it is proof that statues They were treated as living beings.

The historical evidence that the statues of the Roman Empire used perfume

Brøns’s research has supported several literary and epigraphic texts that document the use of perfumes in sacred sculptures.

For example, he stressed that Cicero mentioned the custom of anointing with fragrances the Artemis Statue in Segesta.

Another example would be the Calimaco poet, who described how the statue of Berenice II, queen of Egypt, was wet because of the perfume.

Even so, This practice was not merely aesthetic, but responded to a ritual function in religious contexts.

A sample of this is the Sanctuary of Delos, where they found epigraphic inscriptions where they described the ingredients and costs of the perfumes used for the statues of Artemis and Hera.

Among the liquids used by the most prominent, they included olive oils, natron, beeswax or floral essences.

In addition, in Delos There was also the finding of several perfumery workshopswhat could be proof that the colonies were elaborated in the same place where the gods were venerated.

A finding that Roman art changes: how they applied perfume to the gods

Another thing to highlight is that perfumes could not be applied in any way. To do so they used a technique known as Ganosis.

Basically, it consisted of Apply waxes and oils to beautify the surface of the statue. For example, in the portrait of Berenice II there were remains of bee wax.

The use of smell on Roman festivities were quite common. A sample of this are the Floraliawhere it was usual to decorate the sculptures with rose and violent garlands, to represent the connection with the spiritual.

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