Roses didn’t earn the distinction of Queen of the Flowers for nothing. The ultimate icon of devotion, beauty and desire, the rose is entwined throughout human history as an emblem of love in all its varieties. Like how each thorn could represent the pain Aphrodite felt for one of her sweethearts. It was also a favorite offering of the ancient Egyptians. So feel free to dig into the intricacies of this complex romantic lead.