The Aztec civilization, known for its greatness in the fields of architecture, art, and warfare, also excelled in the realm of hygiene. Despite living in an era predating modern scientific advancements, the Aztecs valued and practiced various forms of hygiene to maintain good health. According to historian Miguel León-Portilla in his book "The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico," the Aztecs considered personal cleanliness and the care of public spaces as essential elements for a healthy life.

Personal hygiene held a prominent place in Aztec culture. Baths and frequent body washing were common practices. They used medicinal herbs and aromatic plants to maintain freshness and cleanliness. Additionally, according to Bernardino de Sahagún, a 16th-century Spanish ethnographer and missionary, the Aztecs had the habit of brushing their teeth with a mixture of salt and herbs for oral hygiene.

Hygiene extended to public spaces as well. The Aztecs built sophisticated drainage systems and aqueducts to keep their cities clean. It is believed that the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, had wide and well-paved streets, and the canals that traversed the city were used to transport waste and refuse. This emphasis on urban hygiene was a notable feature that contrasted with many other contemporary civilizations.

An interesting curiosity is the use of steam baths, known as temazcales. These baths were considered rituals of both physical and spiritual purification. The Aztecs believed that sweat helped rid the body of impurities and diseases. These temazcales have been maintained in some indigenous communities to this day.

In comparison to other civilizations of the same era, such as medieval Europeans, the Aztecs had more advanced hygiene practices. While Europe lacked basic sanitation systems, and personal cleanliness was not a priority, the Aztecs demonstrated a more developed awareness of the importance of hygiene, both individually and communally.

In summary, the Aztec civilization excelled in the practice of personal hygiene and urban cleanliness. Their focus on health and well-being was evident in the value placed on bodily cleanliness, the use of steam baths, and the construction of advanced drainage systems. Despite living in an era preceding modern scientific advancements, the Aztecs demonstrated a notable understanding of the importance of hygiene in maintaining a healthy life in harmony with their environment.