Greece Biografy occurrence cosmetics

GREECE
In Greece, precious oils, perfumes, cosmetic powders, eye shadows, skin glosses, paints, beauty unguents, and hair dyes were in universal use. Export and sale of these items formed an important part of trade around the Mediterranean. During the 8th and 7th centuries BC, Corinthian, Rhodian and East Greek traders dominated markets in perfume flasks and cosmetic containers. The containers included aryballoi, alabastra, pyxides and other small specialized shapes. Cosmetic unguents were imported into Greece in containers carved from the Red Sea Tridacna shell. In the 6th and 5th centuries, Attic products stole the market with toilet oil dispensed in lekythoi flasks. Bulk storage containers for scented oils and perfumes was called a pelike. Pelikes were initially designed to withstand the constant handling and rigors of sea transportation while protecting the contents and maximizing cargo space. As commerce expanded and packaging design became more influential, manufacturers improved packaging to attract consumers. During the Classical period, pelike packaging in terracotta aryballoi and alabastra retailed at a premium. Simultaneously, cored-glass vessels began to appear in shapes adapted from terracotta containers. (University of Pennsylvania #1)
The Greeks invaded Egypt aware of the Egyptian mystification of oils but were interested mainly in the medical knowledge rather than the entire Egyptian spiritual epistemology. With 3,000 years worth of perfumery development under their belts, Egyptian priests were unwilling to divulge the spiritual intrigue of Egyptian oils. Under pressure from Alexander the Great, the priests released disinformation and half-truths to prevent the knowledge from falling into the hands of the inept. (Rady) Greek sexual indulgence was deplorable to the Egyptians. From an Egyptian perspective, the Greeks wanted the oils for sexual practices, cosmetics, incense and medicines. One severe area of contention involved kyphi. Kyphi was created for the most sacred of purposes and the Greeks used it as an aphrodisiac. (Rady) The Greeks were given to simplify things and the Romans took ‘simplification’ a step further. (Rady) From this point forward, the original intention of Egyptian oil loses focus and becomes clouded.
By the 7th century BC, Athens had developed into a mercantile center in which hundreds of perfumers set up shop. Trade was heavy in fragrant herbs such as marjoram, lily, thyme, sage, anise, rose and iris, infused into olive, almond, castor and linseed oils to make thick unguents. These were sold in small, elaborately decorated ceramic pots, similar to the smaller jars still sold in Athens today. (Keville, Green) Socrates disapproved of perfume. He believed that it might blur the distinction between slaves (who smelled bad) and free men (who didn’t).
When Alexander the Great entered the tent of defeated King Darius after the battle of Issos, Alexander threw out the king's box of priceless ointments and perfumes. Ironically, after Alexander traveled extensively in Asia, he became so addicted to aromatics that he burned an Arabian incense by his throne constantly. He sent plant cuttings to his Athenian classmate in Athens from everywhere he traveled. His classmate used the cuttings to establish a botanical garden in Athens. (Keville, Green)

by:iwana iwy