Hygiene practices and bathroom facilities have dramatically evolved throughout history. Here’s a glimpse into how people managed their personal hygiene in the past centuries.
Ancient Times
Ancient civilizations used water for cleansing but often relied on simple tools like sponges, cloths, and basins. Water sources were limited and often contaminated. People relied on rivers, wells, and springs for their water, leading to frequent outbreaks of disease.
Ancient Rome and Greece were famous for their elaborate public bath complexes (thermae and baths). These offered a range of bathing experiences, from cold plunge pools to steam rooms and hot baths. Patrons could also enjoy a massage, exercise in a palaestra (gymnasium), or relax in a lounging area. The public baths were a vital part of social life, fostering a sense of community and promoting physical and mental well-being. While they were accessible to all social classes, the opulent thermae were particularly popular among the Roman elite, showcasing the city’s impressive architectural prowess and its commitment to health and leisure.
Generally opening around lunchtime and open until dusk, baths were accessible to all, both rich and poor. In the reign of Diocletian, for example, the entrance fee was a mere two denarii – the smallest denomination of bronze coinage[1].
In ancient India, people crafted handmade soaps from natural materials like berries and plants, harnessing the power of nature to cleanse and purify. While most common folk used rivers and lakes for hygiene, in the big cities ancient Indians developed an advanced drainage system that connected not only to important public establishments like town halls, temples, and grand bathhouses[2].
Medieval Period
In Medieval times the popularity of public baths declined in the West due to disease outbreaks and societal changes. Hygiene practices were generally poor, with bathing infrequent. The use of perfumes and fragrant waters became prevalent to mask body odor. Bathing became more private, occurring in homes, often in large tubs filled with heated water. It was usually reserved for special occasions like weddings, feasts, or religious holidays.
Running water was scarce in most medieval homes, so water had to be heated and carried manually. This made bathing a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. While medieval nobles had access to bathing facilities, their bathing experiences were far from luxurious compared to modern standards. The water was often shared by multiple people, sometimes even family members, and the process was slow and cumbersome.
Early Modern Period
16th to 18th centuries was when flush toilets began to appear in wealthier homes, though pit latrines and chamber pots remained common. The use of soap and linens increased, but bathing still wasn’t a regular occurrence for most people.
The bathroom’s evolution in the past few centuries reflects society’s growing emphasis on hygiene and comfort. Initially, the bathroom’s importance rose due to increasing awareness of cleanliness. While communal showers served the less fortunate, the middle and upper classes embraced the newfound health benefits of bathing with soap. The Industrial Revolution brought about a turning point with the invention of hot water heaters, making bathing more accessible and convenient. This led to the widespread installation of plumbing in homes, even for the middle class. The lower class, however, lagged behind, often sharing public bathrooms.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bathroom transformed from a purely functional space into an elegant room, often decorated with wood and tiles. This trend gradually spread, with working-class homes beginning to include bathrooms by the 1920s. However, even into the 1960s, owning a private bathroom was still considered a luxury for many. This highlights how the bathroom evolved from a necessity driven by hygiene concerns to a symbol of comfort and social status.