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What did ancient Rome smell like? Honestly, often pretty rank

METROPOLITAN CITY OF ROME, LAZIO, JUL 1 – Ancient Rome's urban odors came from waste, animals, and decay despite widespread use of perfumes and incense, with professionals collecting waste for reuse, researchers say.

Summary by Phys.org
The roar of the arena crowd, the bustle of the Roman forum, the grand temples, the Roman army in red with glistening shields and armor—when people imagine ancient Rome, they often think of its sights and sounds. We know less, however, about the scents of ancient Rome.

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Imagining the grandeur of Ancient Rome, we usually see the Colosseum, the Forum and the Legionaries. But have you ever wondered what smells filled the air of the capital of a mighty empire?

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The Conversation broke the news in on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
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