- Storax is a resin that oozes from the bark of the Styracacaea family of shrub, tree and plant which grows predominantly in Asia Minor (Turkey). The tree is also known as the Turkish Sweetgum or Oriental Sweetgum.
- It was widely used in the ancient world as an ingredient in Perfume and in Medicine.
Ancient Sources
- The Storax tree and its resin for use as a Perfume are mentioned by Theophrastus, Herodotus, Strabo, Aristotle, Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder in his Natural History.
- The forests of Turkish Sweetgum grow mainly in the Mugla Province of southwestern Turkey.
Roman Perfume
- Roman Perfume was widely used by the Ancient Egyptians, the Ancient Greeks and across the Roman Empire.
- Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, was associated with Perfume.
- The Temples used large quantities of perfume as Incense and often had perfume workshops nearby.
- The Romans used Perfumes in their Bathhouses.
- Perfume was also worn by Royal Families, the Aristocracy and by Politicians.
- Perfumes were used in Medicine.
Mugla Province