The fragrance trade

In ancient times, as now, commonly used essential oils such as frankincense, eucalyptus, ginger, patchouli, and rosewood came from the furthest reaches of the globe. These vital components of religious ceremonies, medicine, food, cosmetics and aphrodisiacs were in great demand and were more costly than precious metals and jewels. Although each region could produce clothing, shelter and food from the resources in its immediate territory, people of all nations craved rare, exotic odors that literally added spice to their lives and lent an air of mystery to their ceremony.

The demand for aromatic materials, coupled with their profitability, led to the establishment of long distance trade. Fortunately, seeds and herbs could be dried, gums rolled into beads and fragrances infused in oil or solid perfumes while retaining or even improving their properties. This made them extremely portable and relatively impervious to damage.

With trade and the passion for fragrance came adventure and intrigue. Fleets of ships crossed oceans, explorers risked their lives traveling across vast deserts, wars were ignited over land disputes and trade rights, kingdoms were conquered or lost and love bloomed-all in the pursuit of fragrance. As a result, the quest for fragrance was responsible for molding early world history more than any other single factor.