Start Date: 10th March 2025
Duration: 4 weeks
A fascinating journey through time.
Learn about the role of fragrance in Ancient Egypt, and study some of the most ancient perfume and incense formulae that have survived the passing of time. Study the key ingredients used in fragrant preparations, how and why they’ve changed, and how you can recreate ancient Egyptian fragrance using historical sources and modern perfumery tools.
Includes 2 online live classes and a Certificate of Completion.
Live class dates: Thursdays 13th and 27th March, from 7pm to 8:30pm UK time.
A full bibliography will be provided at the end of the course for people interested in further reading and learning about this fascinating subject.
Course Program
1. Sources
- Where do we find information about the use and formulae of perfumes and incense in ancient Egypt?
- Learn about the textual and archaeological sources of this knowledge.
2. Deities
- Learn about the Egyptian deities associated with perfume.
3. Fragrance in ancient Egypt
- Temple fragrance.
- Perfume laboratories.
- The significance of the blue lotus flower.
4. Aromatic ingredients used in ancient Egypt
- Herbs, flowers, roots and spices.
- Gums and resins.
- Fats and oils.
5. Perfumes of ancient Egypt
- Formulae for The Egyptian, Mendesion, Metopion, Irinon, Susionon and other Egyptian perfumes, and guidance to help you make your own.
6. Incense of ancient Egypt
- Learn about the significance of incense in ancient Egypt.
7. Mysterious Kyphi
- Learn about the most famous fragrant preparation in Egypt, with step by step instructions to help you make your own.
8. Unguents of ancient Egypt
- Information and formulae for the most significant unguents used in Ancient Egypt, including how to recreate the famous unguent cones.
9. The Seven Sacred Oils
- Learn about their names, significance and associations.
All course notes can be downloaded, saved and printed. Videos can only be watched online using the password provided and cannot be downloaded.