Some of the most famous scented gardens in history are those of ancient Persia over 2,500 years ago; namely, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Reputedly built in sixth century BC by Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife, Mayitis, these gardens were said to have been a paradise of water, cool terraces and an exotic blend of fragrant trees, flowers and herbs.
The Egyptians were also known to be experts in aromatic plants, including their uses in cosmetic and medicinal purposes, as well as ancient rituals. It is reported that there are no fewer than 256 different types of plants represented in drawings in the 'Botanical Garden', a room in the temple of Amun at Karnak. It is at Karnak also that another wall painting shows the first plant expeditions to find the incense tree for Queen Hatshepusut (1495 BC).
Egyptian Use of Aromatic Gardens
Perhaps the most well known of Egyptian fragrances is that of Kyphi. Kyphi was a blended from such plants as juniper, peppermint, cinnamon, saffron and myrrh. As well as being a fragrance, it was said to act as a general antidote to toxins and help induce sleep. Pomades of roses, made from fresh macerated roses and fat and shaped into a cone were also popular.
The earliest known botanical gardens were formed from the temple gardens of Egyptian priests, who grew many medicinal plants in their walled gardens of retreat. The Ebers Papyrus, reported to be one of the oldest medicinal works, dating back to 1550 BC, contains a number of recipes for aromatic and fragrant plants.
Some of the more interesting descriptions in the Ebers Papyrus include using cannabis or indian hemp as a sedative and narcotic; saffron for its aromatic value and culinary uses; and the oil of blue lotus for its sacred value, being used by Pharaohs in their tombs. Frankincense and myrrh formed the basis for most types of incense and were extremely popular at that time.
Greek and Roman Use of Aromatic Gardens
The Greeks took the Egyptians' knowledge of aromatic plants back to their own Empire, after visiting the ancient lands. In fifth century BC, Herodotus and Democrates brought back information of the aromatic properties of plants; Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine', was credited with providing many aromatic uses of plants. Discorides, later in time, produced the De Materia Medica, a description of many medicinal uses for plants.
The Greeks were also establishing their own flower gardens by the fourth century BC, in honor of the many Gods. They took their inspiration from the ancient gardens of Persia and incorporated many of their features including fruit trees and herbs. The Romans were also inspired by the same influences.
Evidence of Roman aromatic gardens is shown in old wall paintings in Pompeii, Italy, carefully preserved for centuries under the lava from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The Romans' knowledge spread throughout the Roman Empire and many of today's well known plants worldwide were introduced to Great Britain by the Romans; these include peach, fennel, rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley.
References:
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden London, UK: Kyle Cathie Ltd
Squire, David 2002 The Healing Garden London, UK: Vega
For Further Readingon Scented Gardens:
Modern History of Scented Gardens for the second part of the history of scented gardens
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