That was debunked over a decade ago. > The researcher Gilbert Wiplinger put forward a theory on the use of the xylospongium and it seems much more credible. He

That was debunked over a decade ago. > The researcher Gilbert Wiplinger put forward a theory on the use of the xylospongium and it seems much more credible. He suggests it was used for secondary cleaning of ancient lavatories in a similar form in which modern toilet brooms are used. > The discovery of scraps of cloth in an ancient septic tank in Herculaneum led also environmental archaeologist Mark Robinson to conclude that scraps were used for wiping instead of a sponge. Take a look at the Spa Sanitas Per Aquam conference proceedings from 2009 for more details.