Odeuropa: Reviving Europe's Forgotten Scents Through History

Imagine walking through the streets of 17th-century Paris and being enveloped by the scent of burning wood or fragrant herbs used to ward off disease. Now, imagine experiencing that in a modern-day museum, connecting the smells of the past to the stories you’ve only read about. This is the world that Odeuropa aims to create.

Funded by the European Union and led by cultural history professor Inger Leemans, Odeuropa is an ambitious project that focuses on the role of smell in shaping Europe’s past. Smells have a remarkable ability to stir memories and evoke emotions. A whiff of pine needles might take you back to winter holidays, while the scent of lavender may remind you of your grandmother’s home. Odeuropa harnesses this power of scent to offer an entirely new way to experience history.

The Encyclopedia of Smell: A Journey Through Time

At the heart of Odeuropa is the creation of an online database—the Encyclopedia of Smell History and Heritage. This isn’t just any encyclopedia; it’s a virtual library of smells, compiled from data gathered from historical texts, art, and even medical records. The project uses artificial intelligence to sift through thousands of documents, identifying references to specific smells that defined different eras, from the sweet perfumes of the Renaissance to the pungent odors of the Industrial Revolution.

For instance, in the 16th century, people believed that strong scents like herbs or vinegar could protect them from diseases, while later centuries described the harsh odors of factories and coal-burning cities. By studying these scents, Odeuropa offers a sensory window into how people lived, worked, and even combated illnesses.

Launched in November 2020, the project has already made strides in creating the Smell Explorer, a tool that allows users to delve into the olfactory world of the past. From the comforting fragrance of roses to the stench of pollution, the platform makes it possible to virtually ‘sniff’ history.

The Science of Smell and AI Technology

To bring these lost smells back to life, Odeuropa’s team consists of experts in a wide array of fields—historians, scientists, and technologists, all working together. They use artificial intelligence to recognize ‘smell events’ in historical texts, such as descriptions of markets filled with the scent of spices or the musty air of crowded city streets. By analyzing these olfactory references, they’re building a bridge between the past and the present.

U.S. historian Evan Kutzler, who has studied the sensory aspects of history, highlights that smell is often overlooked in research, but it provides critical insights into how people experienced their world. From perfumes that signified social status to the everyday smells of food, wood, or leather, these scents can tell stories that history books often leave out.

Bringing the Past to Life: A New Way to Experience History

Odeuropa’s mission is not just about academic research—it’s about transforming the way people connect with history. Museums, schools, and cultural institutions will soon be able to use Odeuropa’s findings to offer visitors a more immersive experience. Imagine walking through an exhibit and, rather than just reading about a 19th-century bakery, actually smelling the bread that filled the air. Or exploring a virtual tour of a medieval market, where the scent of spices and livestock mingled in the bustling streets.

By incorporating smell into historical education, Odeuropa invites people to experience the past in a deeply personal way. It takes the dry facts of history and transforms them into vivid, multi-sensory experiences that deepen our understanding of different cultures and eras.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Historical Research

As Odeuropa continues to evolve, it is setting a new standard for how we explore and engage with history. By blending AI technology with olfactory storytelling, it’s creating a more inclusive and immersive way to study the past. It’s not just about seeing or hearing history anymore—it’s about smelling it too.

This groundbreaking project may inspire other similar initiatives around the world, leading to a future where history is no longer confined to textbooks but brought to life through all the senses. With Odeuropa, the essence of the past is just a breath away.