4 ms·

Do you remember the show Modern Marvels on the History channel? Back when it was about actual history and not reality tv... My favorite episode was on bathroom

Do you remember the show Modern Marvels on the History channel? Back when it was about actual history and not reality tv... My favorite episode was on bathrooms. Did you know that during large gatherings at the Palace of Versailles people would relieve themselves in hallways, stairways, and even in the gardens? Or that dining room seats in medieval Germany had holes with chamber pots underneath so that people could go while they ate? I miss Modern Marvels.

tzs 6y ago
This 1974 PBS documentary, "The Natural History of the Water Closet: A Documentary Cantata" [1], is a good musical documentary about the toilet. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJcFO_xF1fI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJcFO_xF1fI
- DonHopkins 6y ago
  This 1981 Mel Brooks documentary, "History of the World, Part I" [1], is a good comedic documentary about the portable toilet. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OWMB3ewpNM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OWMB3ewpNM
Someone 6y ago
What’s even about relieving themselves in the gardens, as compared to inside the palace? Do I miss some knowledge about French palace customs?
- dmurray 6y ago
  Yeah, if I was visiting Versailles today, I might discreetly relieve myself in the gardens, but I'd stop short of soiling the great halls.
  - jakobmartz3 6y ago
    why not fertilize the flowers while youre at it
- reaperducer 6y ago
  What’s even about relieving themselves in the gardens, as compared to inside the palace? Maybe he's a horticulturalist? Whizzing on the vegetation can really ruin a garden. Just ask anyone with a neighbor who doesn't curb their dog.
mc32 6y ago
I mean, I guess back then there were no port-a-potties, and probably didn’t have earthmovers to dig latrines fast (though with planning they could have). So from that PoV, I can see that happening —It still happens at overcrowded concert arenas.
LargoLasskhyfv 6y ago
That is why they are the masters of perfume. Had to overcome the stench! edit: While other, long forgotten cultures had https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitation_of_the_Indus_Valley_Civilisation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitation_of_the_Indus_Valley...

tzs 6y ago

This 1974 PBS documentary, "The Natural History of the Water Closet: A Documentary Cantata" [1], is a good musical documentary about the toilet. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJcFO_xF1fI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJcFO_xF1fI

DonHopkins 6y ago
This 1981 Mel Brooks documentary, "History of the World, Part I" [1], is a good comedic documentary about the portable toilet. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OWMB3ewpNM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OWMB3ewpNM

Someone 6y ago

What’s even about relieving themselves in the gardens, as compared to inside the palace? Do I miss some knowledge about French palace customs?

dmurray 6y ago
Yeah, if I was visiting Versailles today, I might discreetly relieve myself in the gardens, but I'd stop short of soiling the great halls.
- jakobmartz3 6y ago
  why not fertilize the flowers while youre at it
reaperducer 6y ago
What’s even about relieving themselves in the gardens, as compared to inside the palace? Maybe he's a horticulturalist? Whizzing on the vegetation can really ruin a garden. Just ask anyone with a neighbor who doesn't curb their dog.

mc32 6y ago

I mean, I guess back then there were no port-a-potties, and probably didn’t have earthmovers to dig latrines fast (though with planning they could have). So from that PoV, I can see that happening —It still happens at overcrowded concert arenas.

LargoLasskhyfv 6y ago

That is why they are the masters of perfume. Had to overcome the stench! edit: While other, long forgotten cultures had https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitation_of_the_Indus_Valley_Civilisation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitation_of_the_Indus_Valley...