Page 25 - SYTYGIB: Ancient Rome

There were rarely proper toilets in these buildings, and as the upper storeys were often made of wood, they were in danger of catching fire. Even though it was against the law to build more than 18 metres high (about six storeys), some greedy landlords ignored these rules and built towers up to nine storeys
high – that would often collapse!
FANCY THAT!
Although the ancient Romans had finally got around to inventing proper toilets, chamber pots were still the most common way to go to the loo. The famous Roman general Mark Antony was criticized for using a GOLD CHAMBER POT. So if you have a diamond encrusted loo, best keep quiet about it!
Do you ever wish . . . people shared things more?
Of course, sharing is a lovely idea – what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine, and all that jazz. It should be encouraged at all times. Well, maybe not all times . . .
You see, the ancient Romans used sponges on sticks instead of toilet paper . . . and in public toilets these were shared!
Still think sharing is the bee’s knees? Thought not.
Speaking of sharing, public latrines could be huge and open- plan with up to 25 seats. Some could even hold as many as 80 people. Imagine the smell! Anyone want a clothes peg?
Almost all the houses that have been excavated in the Roman towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii had toilets, although some were in the kitchen and there is no evidence they had doors.
At least you could wave to your family while they were at the dinner table. “Yoo-hoo!” Or should that be “you-poo”?
Eww! No thanks!
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