[peoplefromibiza]

bathing and hygiene were not in direct correlation in ancient history, the correlation between unwashed hands, germs and diseases was long to be discovered.

Bathing was mostly a ritualistic activity or a social activity (see Roman thermal baths)

We know Romans, Egyptians and very possibly other cultures shaved themselves almost completely both as a social gathering activity (barbershops were very popular places for gossips and news) and to prevent lices.

So yeah they bathed, some ancient cultures did that a lot, they might have been clean people, doesn't mean their hygiene was generally good nor better than the civilizations before them.

They still walked around in cities or villages with no sewage systems where people and animals lived together.

It's no mistery and no wonder that medieval times were plagued by all kinds of diseases and epidemics.