Cleopatra to Jane Austen: Perfumes of Powerful Women

Why did Cleopatra soak the sails of her ship in jasmine? How did Queen Elizabeth smell? And why was perfume an essential tool of power for women across history? Whilst it’s hard to research the history of something that leaves no physical trace, we actually know a great deal about how some of the most iconic women in history would have smelt. Joining Kate to evoke these scents and what they stood for is award-winning fragrance journalist Suzy Nightingale.Here are the perfumes listed in the episode:Cleopatra: The Merchant of Venice Queen of the NightJoan of Arc: Histoire de Parfums Encens RoiElizabeth I: Frederic Malle Portrait of a LadyJane Austen: Commodity Book (Personal strength) Cora Pearl: Robert Piguet Fracas This episode is edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.You can take part in our listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK