Saffron is a plant, according to research, already used by the pharaohs in ancient Egypt in 2300 BC. In the Songs of Solomon the name of Karkom was already mentioned as one of the most praised products of the vegetable kingdom. The Greek name Krokos and the Latin Crocum are related to this word, perhaps coming from India. Modern languages took the name from the Arabs, who called it "sa `faran". In Greek and Roman literature, the important role that the color and smell of saffron played in the refined life of classical antiquity is frequently mentioned.