Member-only story

Smell and the Ancient Senses: The Senses in Antiquity

Yukio Mishima

·18.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Smell And The Ancient Senses (The Senses In Antiquity)

5 min read · 4 weeks before

528 View Claps

77 Respond

Save

Listen

Smell is the most neglected of the senses, yet it is one of the most important. It can evoke memories, trigger emotions, and even affect our health. In Smell and the Ancient Senses: The Senses in Antiquity, Dr. John Wilkins explores the role of smell in ancient cultures, from its use in religious rituals and daily life to its significance in art and literature.

Drawing on a wide range of sources, including archaeological evidence, literary texts, and medical treatises, Wilkins shows how smell was an integral part of ancient life. In ancient Egypt, for example, the sense of smell was closely associated with the gods. The Egyptians believed that the gods communicated with humans through scents, and they used incense and other fragrant substances in their religious rituals. In ancient Greece, the sense of smell was considered to be a gift from the gods. The Greeks believed that the gods had created the world of smells to please humans, and they used scents in their everyday lives to create a sense of well-being and to enhance their religious experiences.

Smell and the Ancient Senses (The Senses in Antiquity)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages

In ancient Rome, the sense of smell was also highly valued. The Romans used scents in their baths, their homes, and their public spaces. They believed that scents could improve their health, their mood, and their social status. The Romans also used scents in their religious rituals, and they believed that the gods could be appeased by the smell of incense and other fragrant substances.

In the Middle Ages, the sense of smell continued to be important, but its significance began to decline. The Church fathers condemned the use of scents as being pagan and lascivious. As a result, the use of scents in religious rituals and daily life declined. However, the sense of smell remained important in medicine, and physicians used scents to diagnose and treat diseases.

In the Renaissance, the sense of smell began to regain its importance. Artists and writers began to use scents in their work to create a more immersive experience for their audiences. The use of scents in religious rituals also began to revive. Today, the sense of smell is once again being recognized for its importance. Scientists are studying the role of smell in human health and well-being, and artists and designers are using scents to create new and innovative experiences.

Smell and the Ancient Senses: The Senses in Antiquity is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the importance of smell in ancient cultures. This beautifully illustrated book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of the senses, the role of smell in human culture, or the use of scents in art and literature.

Smell in Ancient Egypt
Smell in Ancient Greece
Smell in Ancient Rome
Smell in the Middle Ages
Smell in the Renaissance

Reviews

"Smell and the Ancient Senses is a fascinating and informative book that sheds new light on the importance of smell in ancient cultures. Dr. Wilkins's scholarship is impeccable, and his writing is clear and engaging. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the senses or the role of smell in human culture."

- Dr. James J. McGann, author of The Senses in Late Antiquity

"Smell and the Ancient Senses is a groundbreaking work that will change the way we think about the sense of smell. Dr. Wilkins's research is meticulous, and his insights are groundbreaking. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of the senses, the role of smell in human culture, or the use of scents in art and literature."

- Dr. Joy Parr, author of The Smell Culture Reader

Smell and the Ancient Senses (The Senses in Antiquity)

4.5 out of 5