In the ancient Mediterranean world there was no soap. An item normally found in the kitchen was also used for washing the body. What was it?

In the ancient Mediterranean, long before the advent of modern soap, people relied on a common kitchen staple to cleanse their bodies: olive oil. This practice was widespread among Greeks and Romans, who valued cleanliness and personal hygiene. Instead of lathering up with soap, they would rub olive oil all over their skin. This oil would loosen and lift dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells. The mixture of oil and grime was then scraped off using a curved metal tool called a strigil. This method of cleaning was an integral part of their bathing rituals, especially after exercise.

The use of olive oil for hygiene was deeply embedded in the culture of the time. Public baths were central to social life, and the process of oiling and scraping was a common practice within these establishments. While early forms of soap, made from animal fat and wood ash, did exist, they were often harsh and primarily used for laundering clothes rather than for personal care. The preference for olive oil was not only for its cleaning properties but also for its ability to moisturize and protect the skin.

This ancient method highlights a different understanding of cleanliness. Rather than the germ-killing focus of today, the goal was the removal of visible dirt and the maintenance of healthy, supple skin. The Greeks and Romans also appreciated the aromatic qualities of olive oil, sometimes scenting it with perfumes. This practice of using a food item for personal grooming underscores the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient cultures in utilizing the natural products available to them for a variety of daily needs.