9 interesting facts about hygiene in ancient Egypt that may surprise you
Hygiene in ancient Egypt is a surprisingly rich topic, revealing the innovative ways Egyptians cared for their bodies and surroundings. While we may think of cleanliness as a modern concept, the Egyptians were remarkably advanced in their hygiene practices, which were tied to health, religious beliefs, and social customs. Much like how modern conveniences bring ease to our lives—for example, with options like Stay Casino no deposit offers - the Egyptians also sought out practical and accessible ways to enhance their daily routines. From pest control to dental care, their methods included everything from natural disinfectants to primitive toothpaste, and they even had methods for personal grooming that resemble our modern practices. This impressive attention to cleanliness not only improved their daily lives but also contributed to their understanding of medicine and disease prevention. Here are nine intriguing insights into how the Egyptians maintained their hygiene and dealt with the challenges of their environment.
Pest control
How were cats treated in ancient Egypt? They were honoured, they were worshipped, they were pampered. But this attitude led the Egyptians to negative consequences... Free-loving animals, walking wherever they wanted and communicating with anyone, brought uninvited guests into the house. Helminths were the scourge of the time and everyone from potter to pharaoh was familiar with them.
Dr Piers D. Mitchell - archaeologist and anthropologist from Cambridge University stated that 60-70% of Egyptians were familiar with this disease.
On the front line of the fight against internal ‘invaders’ was the humble ‘Acacia Nile’. Other gifts of nature were also used: pomegranate, garlic, cumin. And the fruit of the date palm served as a kind of ‘laxative’.
White-toothed smile
Ancient Egyptians were responsible for the state of their teeth. So much so that they thought of mixing several ingredients to create a cleansing mixture. In modern parlance, ‘toothpaste’. Rock salt and pepper - a foaming base, which already scrapes plaque from the enamel. If ground mint or dried iris flowers are added, the probability of getting rid of unpleasant odour increases significantly.
The ancient Egyptians did not reach the invention of dental floss. But they made toothbrushes out of tree branches and roots! One side of the twig was chewed to make it look like a fan. Archaeologists claim that ‘the care was effective’.
Protective make-up
Nowadays, colouring an ‘arrow’ is easy. The girl took eyeliner, curbed her hand so that it did not tremble, and ran a brush along the outer corner of the eye. And this technique came from the ancient Egyptians! Having washed off the ‘make-up’ from the evening, in the morning I had to apply it again. This was done not for the expressiveness of the look, but for pragmatic reasons.
By mixing soot and lead ‘powder’ made of galena, fashionistas applied a black line under the eye. The tactic worked as a fight against eye ailments, Analytical Chemistry concluded.
Lead is a heavy metal whose toxicity has been scientifically proven. But the ancient Egyptians weren't so simple. The concentration of lead in their cosmetics was kept at the level of micromoles. This was enough to create an invisible protective barrier: to trigger oxidative stress processes and activate the immune response.
Shaving and shugaring
Herodotus testified: Egyptian priests mercilessly got rid of hair. And everywhere. Of course, the main reason was not the smoothness of the dermis, but the prevention of lice. In order not to please the pests by having a dormitory, the Egyptians had to invent the world's first razor!
The design looked primitive: a small stick to which a blade made of sharpened stone was attached. Shaving had to be done carefully, but this did not detract from the desire for cleanliness.
Later the Egyptians came up with less dangerous but more sensitive methods. Did you know that shugaring has Egyptian roots? Egyptian women diluted sugar paste in water, applied it to the desired area, applied a flap of cloth, and then yanked!
‘These’ days
Nobody cancelled the female nature, but the ancient Egyptians were not frightened by menstruation! Sexually mature women took a rag lining, fitted it with laces, and then attached it to their underwear. Historians believe that it was the ancient Egyptian women who invented the world's first tampon.
The ability to tie the ‘knot of the goddess Isis’ (in ancient Egypt it was considered a symbol of life and prosperity) came in handy. Women took several scraps of linen cloth, twisted them into a harness, intertwined them, and then used them for their intended purpose.
Fresh breath
Mints can now be found in any shop. Quickly, conveniently and reliably remove bad breath. The natives of Ancient Egypt had a harder and longer time in this regard. First melt honey, then add ingredients to it, cool, break into portions and form lollipops. Melon, cashew nuts and even pine seeds freshened the breath.
Of course, there were no pine forests in Ancient Egypt. But in gardens one could meet several varieties of pine trees (Pinus Pinea and Pinus halepensis).
Those who were poorer made do with simpler recipes. Good thing that clever traders were always ready to offer a variety of ‘fresheners’: for every taste and purse. Egyptologists believe that nobles ate mints after every meal.
Odour disguise
Even the nobility found it difficult to hide from the African heat. Can you imagine what it was like for the commoners? No wonder the ancient Egyptians were the world's first experimenters in antiperspirants. Through trial and error, mixing the most unexpected ingredients, they searched for the perfect formula for dry armpits. And they found it!
The most effective remedy was a paste based on ostrich egg, turtle shell and nuts. The combination got rid of the sweat, but it didn't mask the ambergris. So aroma oils were introduced. Greasy stains on clothes are better than the scent of filth! And later Egyptian cleaners realised to replace oils with fruit juices, cinnamon and frankincense.
Exquisite perfume
Looking at prehistoric images of pharaohs, archaeologists had a question - what is that ‘horn’ on the top of the head? The accessory is strange, hence such a high interest in its function. And then there was an assumption: perhaps it is a long-lasting perfume? The ancient Egyptians melted wax and added essential oils to it.
Later, they formed a cone of it, which they froze and attached to headdresses. Under the scorching sun this construction exuded pleasant aromas. Accordingly, the bearer, communicating with interlocutors, smelled like a rose (or what flavourings were there?) The version is interesting!
Lush mop
It was in the period of the Old Kingdom Egyptian women wore wigs with curls, decorated with beads, rims and various accessories ... And during the reign of the Ptolemies began to collect their natural hair in the Greek manner! Historians dug deeper and found out an amazing thing. Hair care was something of a ‘trend’ in those days.
Because of the scorching sun, her hair had two problems: high root oiliness and unhealthy dryness of the ends. And Egyptian women came up with a way to combat the problem - they added lemon juice to water! It not only reduced the formation of dandruff, but also reliably cleansed the hair of dirt. And a pleasant bonus was the shine of the strands. So much for the ‘ancient’ Egyptians!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ancient Egyptians' approach to hygiene was not only innovative but also remarkably advanced for its time, reflecting a culture deeply invested in health, spirituality, and social dignity. Their practices show that cleanliness was more than just a practical matter; it was a social and religious responsibility that underscored their respect for the human body and life itself. From the care they took to control pests in a land where disease could spread easily, to the elaborate rituals of dental and skin care, Egyptians demonstrated an early understanding of health as a holistic concept that influenced both the individual and society.
Their ingenious use of natural resources like acacia, pomegranate, and date fruits for medicinal purposes, as well as their crafting of rudimentary dental care tools, speaks to a civilization that prioritized personal wellness. Practices such as shaving and sugaring, driven by the need to ward off lice and maintain ritual cleanliness, laid the groundwork for modern grooming habits. Even their cosmetic applications, which combined beauty with health benefits, showcase an early blend of functionality and aesthetics. Their use of galena-based makeup not only served as decoration but also protected their eyes from infections—a testament to their keen understanding of preventive health.
Furthermore, the Egyptians' inventive solutions for issues like body odor and oral hygiene reveal a society that sought comfort and sophistication despite the challenging climate. They mixed unique ingredients to create antiperspirants and perfumes, which played a significant role in their daily lives and religious ceremonies. Such creations went beyond masking scents; they symbolized social status, religious devotion, and a desire for longevity. Even in hair care, where women devised methods to protect against the desert climate, we see their dedication to maintaining both beauty and hygiene in harmony.
The ingenuity of the Egyptians, as seen through these practices, is a reminder of how ancient civilizations laid the foundations for many of the hygiene routines we consider standard today. This commitment to cleanliness, despite the era's limited scientific knowledge, allowed them to live longer, healthier lives and establish practices that have endured through millennia.
