The rose was sacred to Isis, Aphrodite and Venus.

***

Romans grew roses in hothouses or brought them over from Egypt by the shipload. They perfumed the air with attar of roses. Nero carpeted the floors of his banquet rooms with rose petals, served roses as food.

***

In Rome a wild rose was placed on the door of a room where secret matters were to be discussed. The phrase sub rosa, or "under the rose," means to keep a secret.
.