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Who Were the Cleanest People in History?

Published in Historical Hygiene 2 mins read

Determining the single "cleanest" people in history is subjective, as cleanliness standards vary across cultures and time. However, based on available historical accounts, certain civilizations stand out for their dedication to personal and public hygiene. One such civilization, according to the reference, is the Aztecs.

The Aztecs: A Focus on Cleanliness

While it’s difficult to definitively say who the "cleanest" were, the Aztecs were notably meticulous about hygiene for their time.

Key Aztec Practices:

  • Frequent Bathing: The average Aztec citizen of Tenochtitlan bathed twice daily, or even more often for the noble class. This level of personal hygiene was exceptional compared to many other cultures of the same period.
  • City Sanitation: The city of Tenochtitlan was regularly cleaned, reflecting a strong emphasis on public health. This commitment to both personal and civic cleanliness is a hallmark of Aztec culture.
  • Exceptions: Notably, Aztec priests were an exception to these cleanliness standards, as they were forbidden from bathing.

A Table of Aztec Hygiene

Practice Description
Bathing Frequency Twice daily for the average citizen, more for nobles.
City Cleaning Regular cleaning of the city, including streets and public areas.
Priestly Exception Priests were forbidden from bathing.

While the Aztecs clearly prioritized cleanliness, other cultures also had advanced sanitation practices for their time. However, within the scope of the provided information, the Aztecs stand out with their very frequent bathing and commitment to cleaning their city.

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