Believe it or not, soap was actually invented in the “dirty” Middle Ages. In big cities, there were a lot of soap makers. Poor people used to visit public bathhouses that were located near pilgrimage sites.

The aristocracy used to turn hygienic procedures into shows. They covered wooden baths with silk and used to talk, drink wine, and play chess while washing. Clean clothes indicated that a person was noble and that their intentions were as clean as their clothing.

You may want to ask, “What about Louis XIV who only washed himself twice in his life only due to his doctor’s advice?” First of all, the Sun King died in the 18th century. During this time known as the Age of Enlightenment, people didn’t care about their hygiene and used to wash their faces, hands, and necks exclusively. Baths became popular at the end of the 19th century. Now you know not to confuse the Middle Ages with the Age of Enlightenment.