Hygiene varied greatly throughout the Ancient world. Within the Roman Empire public baths were built throughout the Empire which provided people with an area to clean themselves in various pools, see a barber, and swim. Annointing with oil was very common in Palestine and ancient Rome; it helped remove dirts that were deeply engrained in the skin and acted like modern lotions. The common pleb/peasant, however, didn't enjoy these luxuries however. They didn't have the money or time to travel to the cities or baths; they couldn't afford the oils necessary for cleaning. Those outside of cities with sewers had to deal with human excrement in the streets or the area immediately surrounding the village/homes. Lice and fleas would be common place. Jewish tradition heavily emphasized clearning and bathing but, again, the poor couldn't afford these luxuries. Those in cities, especially Roman cities, enjoyed baths and fresh water. Others, in poor cities and the countryside, however didn't enjoy the same levels of cleanliness.
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