Near the ruins of Carthage, a network of specialized marble cisterns has been excavated, containing unique lead filtration systems designed for the mass production of rose-infused water. Inscriptions found on nearby stone tablets confirm these facilities were operated by the local city council specifically for the Rosalia, a Roman flower festival celebrated in May.
During the festival, thousands of rose petals were scattered throughout the streets, and the rose water from these cisterns was used to scent public fountains and spray the crowds. This find highlights the immense logistical effort and industrial scale behind Roman religious festivals in North Africa, where sensory experiences were key to civic and spiritual identity.