An unknown fact about the statues of the gods in ancient Greece, about which we did not know

The statues of the gods in ancient Greece and Rome were … With smashed incense And decorated with fragrant wreaths of flowers and garlands. Danish historian writes about this Cecilia Broensa In an article published online in Oxford Journal of Archaeology.

Cecilia Broensacurator Copenhagen glyptoticsestablished on the basis of the analysis of sources that in ancient times people not only used aromas themselves, but also often applied them to the statues of gods in temples.

Unlike modern perfumes, according to Broensa, the aromas of that time were created on the basis of fat or oil and were applied like a cream. In Mediterranean countries, for example, rose It was a popular component in perfumes.

Flower wreaths and garlands that decorated the statues of the gods added another sensual impression. Although it is impossible to find the fragrances themselves today, the historian notes that their images and copies of metal, terracotta and gold have been preserved. This process was known as “Cosmisis” (κόσμησιςdecoration). It also included the design of statues with fabrics and jewelry.

The statues of the gods also processed olive oil or bee wax. This gave them shine and at the same time defended them color.

The historian emphasizes that the white marble sculptures that we see today in museums do not reflect ancient art at all. On the contrary, it is proved that ancient sculptures, whether it was made of wood, terracotta or stone, have always been painted.

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