Medieval towns did not have systems of sewers or water pipes like Rome had. Medieval towns were probably filthy. Garbage and human waste was thrown into the streets. Houses were made of wood, mud and dung.

Rats, lice and fleas flourished in the rushes strewn over the clay floors of people's houses (often changed only once a year).

However, we can't conclude that Medieval people were personally filthy, or careless of their health:

They had their own version of the Greek's Programme for Health. The doctor Alderotti advised people to stretch their limbs, wash their face, clean their teeth, exercise etc.
Guy de Chauliac (the Pope's doctor) realised the importance of a good diet, and that a poor diet made people more vulnerable to the plague.
Monasteries developed comprehensive systems of public health, including fresh running water, 'lavers' (wash rooms), flush 'reredorters' (latrines) with running sewers, clean towels and a compulsory bath four times a year.
Nobles took regular baths (perhaps two a year).
Towns had bath houses (which were also restaurants and brothels).
People realised that a room next to a privy was unhealthy, and towns paid 'gongfermers' to clear out the cess pits.
Medieval kings passed laws requiring people to keep the streets clean.
Leaders in Venice realised that sexually transmitted diseases were infectious, and ordered checks on the city's prostitutes.
During the time of the plague many towns developed quarantine laws, and boarded up the houses of infected people. People with leprosy, likewise, were confined to lazar houses (a place for people with infectious diseases).

	Created by maddilever over 9 years ago

History (medicine) Note on GCSE History Medicine, created by maddilever on 09/12/2014.