Roman roses, Pompeii. Plants used by the Romans to prepare aromatic oils and perfumes included roses, lilies, myrtle, violets, hyacinths and irises. These were mixed with olive oil and grape juices. Other ingredients included herbs such as dill, basil and thyme. These roses are thought to be the same as those that would have been used by perfumers in the Roman city of Pompeii. Pompeii, located in the Bay of Naples, Italy, was ruined and buried during an eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city was rediscovered and excavated in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the discovery of a range of perfume bottles.