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Louis XIV was the Smelliest King of All Time
Louis XIV was known to be the most powerful King in the history of France, often referred to as the Sun King (le Roi Soleil). He built his power by leading the economic prosperity of France and overpowering local seigneurs scattered across France. His power was said to be so great that he had over 100 servants and seigneurs attend to spectate his dressing and undressing every morning. However, being in close proximity to King Louis must have been horrendous; because he was arguably the smelliest King of all time.
Origins of the Stench
In the 17th century, most Europeans were accustomed to not washing their bodies as they believed that washing or bathing their body in hot water could open pores to let diseases in. With no shower or bathing culture, one can imagine the stench that these people must have produced. Louis XIV was said to have only washed 3 times in his lifetime.
On top of this, the medical procedures that he received over his lifetime gradually added more stink to his already reeking body.
