Ancient Herbs

Ancient Herbs presents the forty most important plants used for culinary, medicinal, and religious purposes in classical antiquity. Olive and pomegranate, myrtle and rose join coriander and marjoram, garlic and thyme. In the introduction, the author draws on her extensive knowledge of ancient practices to paint an intriguing image of the uses of and myths about plants from Greek and particularly Roman kitchen gardens. Quotes from classical authors testify to ancient practices, some curious, some still standard today.

The delightful illustrations reproduce drawings from early-nineteenth-century botanical publications, which often show the plants at various stages of growth, from seeds through ripe fruits.

Marina Heilmeyer has long been associated with the Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum in Berlin. She has organized several garden-related exhibitions and is the author of a number of books on flowers and fruits.