We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there’s evidence of perfumes, incense and even deodorants.

We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there's evidence of perfumes, incense and even deodorants.

April 11, 2025 The Orient Express’s First Hotel Just Opened in the Heart of Rome The luxury train company's newest venture is staying put inside a 17th-century palazzo.

The Orient Express La Minerva occupies a restored 17th-century palazzo in Rome. Photo Credit: Alexandre Tabaste Accor has opened its first Orient Express hotel, the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome.

Honestly, often pretty rank In describing the smells of plants, author and naturalist Pliny the Elder uses words such as iucundus (agreeable), acutus (pungent), vis (strong), or dilutus (weak).

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 ...