The history of perfume dates back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where incense and aromatic oils were used in religious rituals and daily life. The word "perfume" comes from the Latin "per fumum," meaning "through smoke," reflecting its origins in incense. Ancient Egyptians used perfumes for religious ceremonies, embalming, and personal use. In the 9th century, the Persians refined distillation techniques, influencing later European methods. By the 17th century, France became the center of the perfume industry, where it remains a global leader today, blending art, science, and luxury.