During Nero’s reign in the 1st century B.C., trade routes expanded, making the transportation of scented oils cheaper and faster. As a result, shops selling perfumes multiplied across Rome.

The most sought-after scent of the time was ‘rhodium,’ a blend of carefully selected roses. This perfume became synonymous with Nero’s reign. Another popular scent, ‘foliatum,’ made from Roman roses, was a lighter alternative to rhodium.

— Read more in Historical scents revived: Nero’s signature perfume recreated at Türkiye Today.