The roar of the arena crowd, the bustle of the Roman forum, the grand temples, the Roman army in red with glistening shields ...

We can probably safely assume Rome, in many areas, was likely pretty dirty and rank-smelling. That said, there’s evidence of perfumes, incense and even deodorants.

By Peter Edwell for The ConversationStanding in the vast ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, hundreds of gulls circle above. Their haunting cries echo voices from 1,800 years ago.

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