Imagine strolling down a medieval street—horse-drawn carts rolling by, flower petals strewn for the latest royal parade, and folks chatting in the charming cobblestone streets. But what’s missing? Ah yes, that classic medieval stench that many of us have conjured up in our minds thanks to countless Hollywood films. But here’s the truth: medieval Europe was actually quite… fresh!
Turns out, the idea of “dirty medieval Europe” is as mythical as a fairytale princess. Medieval folks weren’t wandering around in filth, despite what Game of Thrones might suggest. People bathed regularly and they even used early soaps imported from the Middle East (thank you, crusaders). Royals soaked in herb-infused baths, perfume was popular, and dental care wasn’t entirely neglected either. They may not have had the luxury of shower gel and a loofah, but they made cleanliness a priority.
So, where did the myth of medieval stink come from? The truth is, our ancestors were pretty dedicated to hygiene until the Renaissance. Public bathhouses were all the rage across Europe by the 13th century, and cleanliness was as much about health as it was about keeping up appearances.
These bathhouses were sometimes located near bakeries to share heat, offering everything from tubs to steam baths, with records showing at least 32 in Paris and 12 in Krakow. Social norms encouraged cleanliness not just to smell good but as a sign of health and morality. In fact, royals like Charlemagne indulged in elaborate baths, inviting nobles and friends to join in as a display of cleanliness and luxury.
Soap wasn’t a 20th-century innovation, either—it was popular in medieval Europe thanks to crusaders who brought fragrant soaps like Castile soap from the Middle East. Along with basic baths, folks commonly used herbs such as sage, rosemary, and chamomile in water to freshen up before and after meals, while perfumes were highly popular among nobility.
Medieval dental care was also notable: people cleaned their teeth with hazel twigs and cloths, and hair care involved plenty of powders and combing to distribute natural oils and avoid the dreaded medieval lice.
As we’ve mentioned, it wasn’t until the Renaissance and 16th century that Europeans began to worry about disease spreading through open pores after hot baths, leading to a decline in public bathing habits. Ironically, the smelly nobles we imagine today are more a result of Renaissance attitudes than medieval ones.
One of the most infamous showcases of poor hygiene in early modern Europe had to be the Palace of Versailles. The tales from this lavish estate include horror stories of head lice infestations, a near-complete aversion to bathing, and even public urination in palace corridors. Naturally, the aristocracy turned to perfume—by the bucketful—to mask the less-than-glamorous scents wafting through the halls.
And then there were the hygiene horrors of Queen Elizabeth’s court, where arsenic-laced makeup was all the rage, dental care was barely a concept, and stale bread was actually used to soak up excess oils from hair.
Fortunately, by the time the Victorian era rolled around, hygiene standards took a big leap forward. The iconic washstand became a household staple, complete with a basin and pitcher for regular washing—a small yet revolutionary step towards modern cleanliness.
But let’s not overlook a major factor in historical cleanliness: clothing. Centuries ago, natural materials like cotton, linen, and silk were the go-to fabrics, which actually kept people cleaner. These materials naturally wick away sweat and moisture, letting skin breathe—a far cry from the synthetic blends we wear today, which trap heat and moisture. Ironically, these breathable fabrics of the past meant people likely needed to bathe less frequently.
In the end, it seems our ancestors had a few tricks up their (cotton) sleeves when it came to staying fresh. The medieval and early modern eras weren’t as filthy as we might imagine; instead, hygiene was seen as a sign of health and respectability.
Today, between synthetic fabrics, the constant need for scented products, and our dependency on modern conveniences, we might actually be stuck in a cycle of needing to bathe more just to keep up. Maybe it’s worth taking a cue from the past: let the skin breathe, rely on natural fabrics, and give a nod to simple, effective hygiene practices. After all, history’s not just something to learn from—it might just help us live a little fresher!
Till next time, be wickedly wonderful.
Sources:
Did people in the Middle Ages take baths?
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: Hygiene in the Middle Ages
