New research has uncovered how ancient Phoenician oil bottles helped preserve not just scented oils but cultural identity across the Mediterranean during the Iron Age.
An international team led by the University of Tübingen and the Complutense University of Madrid examined 51 ceramic vessels discovered at Motya, a Phoenician site located off Sicily’s western coast. The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, shed light on how these small containers were used to transport aromatic oils, connecting far-flung communities through shared sensory traditions.
The ancient Phoenician oil bottles, plain in appearance and measuring 15.5 to 18.5 centimeters tall, were found in tombs, domestic spaces, and sacred areas. Dating from the 8th to 6th centuries BC, their widespread presence across different Mediterranean locations suggests they served various roles, according to lead researcher Dr. Adriano Orsingher of the Complutense University of Madrid.
Scientific analysis links bottles to southern Phoenicia
The team analyzed the ceramic composition to trace the vessels’ production origins, which pointed to southern Phoenicia—between present-day Beirut and the Carmel region. Chemical residue testing revealed that eight of the containers held plant-based oils and resins, including pine and mastic, commonly used in ancient fragrant preparations.
Dr. Silvia Amicone of the University of Tübingen confirmed the vessels were designed to carry scented oils. She said the research reveals how interdisciplinary science can uncover details often missed in traditional archaeology, such as the role of scent in ancient life.
Scent as a cultural bridge in Phoenician migration
Orsingher explained that these oils were more than trade goods—they were part of the Phoenicians’ cultural fabric. For migrant communities, carrying familiar scents helped preserve a sense of home and identity while settling in new lands. He noted that the movement of scent should be considered alongside goods and people when exploring ancient mobility.
The study highlights how deeply intertwined scent was with memory, belonging, and ritual in Phoenician culture. The oils likely served both practical and symbolic roles, offering comfort and continuity to those navigating life in foreign territories.
Support for sensory archaeology and further research
University of Tübingen President Karla Pollmann praised the study as a model for innovative archaeology. She said the ability to detect ancient scents through modern techniques opens new ways to understand the sensory and emotional dimensions of the past.
The project received funding from the Gerda Henkel Foundation and support from Sicilian and Palermo-based cultural institutions.
