Scientific investigations via radiological analysis have begun in Bonn on a 3,500-year old flask of perfume that dates back to ancient Egyptian era and belonged to Pharaoh Hatshepsut. In a year, the scientific study being conducted in the department of clinical radiology at the University of Bonn will be able to reveal the scent used by ancient Egyptian royalty.

Queen Hatshepsut (reign: 1479-1458 BC) is one of the most famous pharaohs and reigned for a little more than two decades. She was the fifth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. Her reign was peaceful and prosperous as she increased the trade borders of her country.

Hatshepsut was a regal character of androgynous charm. She is the only female pharaoh represented as often dressed as a man. She was sometimes portrayed with a fake beard. Yet, despite the masculine look, it seems that the queen had a special perfume concocted for her, especially after an expedition to the then Punt region (now Eritrea) from which came essences of all kinds.

What has been found in the ancient fragrance vial is dried residue of a fluid, composed mainly of resins belonging to the family of incense. This gives some credence to an earlier theory that ancient Egyptians used perfume in relation to religious rituals.

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Via Science Daily