4 ms·
If you go to the public latrine at Ephesus today, it looks pretty awesome. It's out in the air. Nice views in all directions. If you can get over the communal
by beloch 2y ago
If you go to the public latrine at Ephesus today, it looks pretty awesome. It's out in the air. Nice views in all directions. If you can get over the communal nature of it, it seems like a fantastic spot to do your business.
In Roman times, public latrines were places of last resort. They were typically enclosed, poorly ventilated, and notorious for rats and explosions[1]. For most Romans, making it home to your own commode was vastly preferred.
This brings us to a funny quirk of roman home design. Toilets were usually located in kitchens and "flushed" with wastewater from the kitchen. In most homes these toilets were connected to cesspits that were periodically emptied, and not to the sewers.
[1]https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/rats-exploding-toilet-seats-and-demons-deep-hazards-roman-sewers-004611 https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/rats-e...
- notnmeyer 2y agoaside from this being appalling, “notorious for rats and explosions” is pretty funny
- elcritch 2y agoSo basically what it's like today with porta potties?
- omnicognate 2y agoYou have a porta potty in your kitchen?
- heywoodlh 2y ago> https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/rats-exploding-toilet-seats-and-demons-deep-hazards-roman-sewers-004611 https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/rats-e... This was a fascinating read, thanks! For anyone curious of why public latrines exploded: > Even worse, these public latrines were notorious for terrifying customers when flames exploded from their seat openings. These were caused by gas explosions of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and methane (CH4) that were rank as well as frightening.
- b112 2y agoA similar thing, caused my grandma to be "blown up" as she used to say. Barns explode sometimes, if the hay is too green, and hasn't finished off-gassing. Luckily female gonads are internal, otherwise I might not be here.