A Brief History of Perfume: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Bottles

Fragrance has always held a sacred place in human history—transcending borders, cultures, and centuries. From smoky incense in ancient temples to sleek, glass-encased bottles on modern vanities, perfume is far more than a luxury—it's a legacy.
At Newyork Army, we honor this legacy with every bottle we craft. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, tracing the olfactory heritage of perfumery and seeing how perfume has become a modern art.

The Ancient Beginnings: Egypt’s Sacred Scents
In Egypt, scents were closely related to religious rituals and the hereafter. Perfumes made from substances such as myrrh, frankincense, and rose oil, were offered to the gods and applied in embalming processes to show respect to the deceased.
Perfume was a priceless luxury during these days; it was a symbol of divinity and authority.
Perfume-making had become so important that pharaohs employed perfumers in their own chambers—highly trained artisans who created compounds not only to fragrance the body, but to heighten the spirit.

Persia: The Poetry of Perfume
Moving east, the Persian culture imbued fragrance with sophistication and the pursuit of the intellect. Fragrance was wedded to literature, medicine, and everyday existence. Persian scientists developed early techniques of distillation—laying the groundwork for contemporary perfumery.
One of the most well-known individuals, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), was the first to develop steam distillation for extracting essential oils from flowers, particularly roses. His techniques are still relevant today, even in modern perfumery.

Rome and Greece: Fragrance as Fashion
The Romans and ancient Greeks loved perfume—applied not only for ceremonies but also as a symbol of status. Aromatized oils were worn to war, after bathing, and at banquets. Wealthy citizens would even scent their pets and home fountains.
Perfume shops thrived in Roman marketplaces, and recipes were recorded in early texts—an indication of fragrance's growing role in daily life and commerce.

The Renaissance and Beyond: The Rise of Modern Perfumery
In the Renaissance, perfume once again became fashionable in Europe as both a beauty aid and medicine. The Italian courts and, subsequently, the French aristocracy made perfume a fashionable accessory. France became the center of modern perfumery in the 17th century—a position it still holds.
With the developments in chemistry in the 19th century, there came synthetic ingredients that provided greater stability and choice. Perfume became more within reach, initiating the creation of luxury fragrance houses.

Today: Bottling Identity and Emotion
Today, perfume is not just about scent—it's about identity, emotion, and narrative. Luxury brands started creating bespoke fragrances for men and women, blending old-world craftsmanship with new-age techniques.

At Newyork Army, perfumes are celebrated as an expression of luxury and uniqueness, providing scents that are not mere smells—they're personality expressions. Focusing on blending legacy with contemporary flair, Newyork Army offers premium perfumes for men and women that  leave a lasting impression.
Regardless of whether you prefer the dark, woody richness of "Oud" or the flowery sophistication of "Liberty," Newyork Army  celebrates perfumery in every vessel so that your fragrance is truly one-of-a-kind, like you.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future
From the smoke-filled altars of Egypt to your vanity table, perfume has come a long way. But its essence remains the same: to awaken the senses, to express the inexpressible, and to capture moments that words cannot.
NewYork Army is committed to being part of this perfume tradition—breathing intentionality, craftsmanship, and respect into every bottle with respect for the perfume art form.