All ancient people – Persians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans – valued rosebushes for their flowers and their flowers’ aroma and products, such as rose water and rose oil. Herodotus, Theophrastus and Sappho all reference rose in their works, the latter one actually calling it the “queen of flowers”.
The name of this flower comes from the number of its petals. The name of the rosa genus actually comes from the Greek word “ρόδο” which means “red”, since roses in ancient times were red and, based on Greek mythology, they were colored by the blood of the goddess Aphrodite. The excavations in ancient Babylon revealed information that lead us to believe that rosebushes were already cultivated at least 20 centuries BC.
Source:
Κουτσός Β. Θεόδωρος (2006). Αρωματικά και φαρμακευτικά φυτά.
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In the ancient world, rosebushes held a special place in the hearts of various civilizations, each valuing them for their exquisite flowers, aromatic qualities, and the valuable products derived from them, such as rose water and rose oil. The mention of roses by prominent figures like Herodotus, Theophrastus, and Sappho underscores the cultural importance of these flowers.
Sappho, a renowned Greek poet, went so far as to dub the rose as the "queen of flowers," highlighting its elevated status among botanical wonders. This poetic expression not only signifies the aesthetic allure of roses but also hints at the symbolic and cultural significance attributed to them in ancient times.
The etymology of the word "rose" is deeply rooted in ancient Greek, where the name of the rosa genus is derived from the Greek word "ρόδο" meaning "red." This linguistic connection reflects the predominant color of roses in ancient times and is intriguingly tied to Greek mythology. According to this mythology, the red color of roses was believed to be a result of the blood of the goddess Aphrodite, further emphasizing the divine and enchanting nature of these flowers.
Archaeological excavations in ancient Babylon have unearthed compelling evidence that suggests the cultivation of rosebushes dates back at least 20 centuries BCE. This archaeological insight provides tangible proof of the long-standing cultural and horticultural significance of roses in ancient civilizations.
In conclusion, the historical and cultural context surrounding rosebushes is rich and multifaceted, encompassing elements of mythology, linguistics, and archaeological findings. The enduring admiration for roses by ancient Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans is a testament to the timeless appeal of these flowers and their enduring impact on human culture.
