In a vivid revival of ancient beauty, archaeologists have restored a once-forgotten garden in the ruins of Pompeii—a space believed to have once belonged to a perfumer. Now flourishing with thousands of roses, violets, cherry trees, vines, and other aromatic plants, the so-called Garden of Hercules offers a fragrant glimpse into the botanical artistry of the ancient Roman world.
The restored garden, located within the ruins of a house thought to be linked to perfume production, reflects discoveries first made in the 1950s by botanist Wilhelmina Jashemski. Her pioneering work in identifying pollen, spores, and plant remains helped confirm that Pompeii was not just a city of stone, but one rich in cultivated green spaces.
“Pompeii was full of gardens, and they are key to understanding the daily life of the city,” says Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, in a statement to The Times (UK).
A Scented Glimpse Into the Past
Named after a statue of the mythological hero Hercules found at the site, the Garden of Hercules dates back to the 3rd century B.C.E. Archaeologists believe it may have been part of a small perfumery. Previous excavations uncovered tiny glass and terracotta vessels likely used to store floral ointments and fragrances.
Though modest in size—less than 1,000 square feet—the garden boasts remarkable features. Researchers uncovered the remains of ancient trellises, traces of olive trees, and a sophisticated irrigation system. Water was channeled into the garden through a hole in the wall, likely poured by enslaved workers from outside. Channels directed the water to planting beds, while large buried clay jars, or dolia, stored extra water for later use.
“If a plant needed more water, gardeners could draw it directly from the dolia,” explains garden historian Maurizio Bartolini, who oversaw the restoration.
Perfume and Daily Life in Ancient Pompeii
Bartolini believes the garden’s owner may have cultivated flowers to experiment with fragrances. While the space was likely too small for large-scale perfume production—requiring up to 2,000 roses for just a teaspoon of essence—it might have served as a test garden for scent creation.
“The perfume wouldn’t have lasted long,” Bartolini notes. “The scent faded quickly, so you had to wear it within a week.”
This restored garden is part of a broader effort to present Pompeii not just as a city frozen in volcanic ash, but as a vibrant community with orchards, vineyards, and perfumed courtyards. Over 400 orchards and vegetable gardens have been identified in Pompeii, with signs of agricultural activity found in preserved furrows, roots, seeds, and irrigation systems.
Today, visitors can stroll through the reborn Garden of Hercules beneath shaded alcoves, surrounded by the colors and scents of ancient flora. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the sensual, fragrant world that once thrived in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.
