Ancient Mediterranean peoples -- including perfumers in Egypt , physicians in Gaza , townspeople in Rhodes , and the Greek hetaerae courtesans -- used saffron in their perfumes , ointments , potpourris , mascaras , divine offerings , and medical treatments . Ancient Mediterranean peoples -- including perfumers in Egypt , physicians in Gaza , townspeople in Rhodes , and the Greek hetaerae courtesans -- used saffron in their scented waters , perfumes , ointments , potpourris , mascaras , divine offerings , and medical treatments .