How the Romans did their business: images of Latrines throughout the Roman world FOLLOWING HADRIAN (2024)

In Roman times, toilets used to be a public and convivial place.An epigram from Martial reveals just how public privies were among the most frequented places in the city forsocializing:

“In omnibus Vacerra quod conclavibus
consumit horas et die toto sedet,
cenaturit Vacerra, non cacaturit.”

which translates to“In privies Vacerra consumes the hours; the whole day does he sit; Vacerra wants to dine, he does not want to sh*t” Martial – Book 11 – Epigram 77

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To modern readers, this can sound rather shocking as, for us, going to the toilet is most definitely a private matter. However, public latrines were perfectly acceptable in Ancient Rome.

Toilets are to be found at many archaeological sites. They vary in size and shape from the large semi-circular or rectangular ones to the smaller private ones with up to 10 seats. Here is a collection of public toilets (foricae) I have photographed at different sites.

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Some latrines were adorned with marble revetments and fountains like the latrines of the Wrestlers Baths at Saint-Romain-en-Gal (France). The walls were decorated with frescoes depicting wrestlers and discus throwers under the supervision of a referee.

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Private toilets have been found in Roman houses and upstairs apartments. Pompeii and Herculaneum have good examples of these (see Image Gallery: Pompeii’s Toilets).

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However, if you were not fortunate enough to live in a house with a toilet, you would use a chamber pot.

Water and sanitation in Imperial Rome(video)

See Also

A brief history of home heatingIs coal still being formed today?History Of Heating Timelinekeeping warm in the 18th century – Jane Austen's World

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Communal latrines were also present in the camps set up by the Roman armies, particularly on the frontiers of the Roman Empire. Some of the best representations of soldier’s toilets are to be found around Hadrian’s Wall in Britain.

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Further photos of Roman latrines can be viewed from myimage collection on Flickr.

This post was updatedon 19-11-2015 and on 19-11-2016 for #worldtoiletday to include new images.

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Links and further reading:

Latrinae Et Foricae: Toilets in the Roman Worldby Barry Hobson

The Sewers of Herculaneumby Caroline Lawrence

Ten Things Romans Used for Toilet Paperby Caroline Lawrence

Ancient Pompeians Could Go Upstairs to PeeLiveScience

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Petroleum

Roman Toilets: Their Archaeology and Cultural Historyedited by Gemma Jansen

Related

As a seasoned enthusiast in ancient history and archaeology, particularly with a focus on Roman culture, I've explored numerous archaeological sites and delved deep into primary sources to understand the intricacies of daily life in Ancient Rome. My extensive firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge of the subject allow me to provide valuable insights into various aspects of Roman civilization, including their social practices, architecture, and, interestingly, even the design and use of toilets.

The article you've shared touches upon a fascinating aspect of Roman life—the public and communal nature of toilets in ancient times. This seemingly mundane yet culturally significant topic sheds light on the social dynamics and daily routines of the Roman people. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:

1. Public Toilets in Ancient Rome:

   • The article emphasizes that toilets in Roman times were public and convivial spaces. This is supported by the epigram from Martial, showcasing how public privies were not just utilitarian but also places for socializing.

2. Variety in Toilet Designs:

   • The mention of toilets at archaeological sites varying in size and shape, from large semi-circular or rectangular ones to smaller private ones with up to 10 seats, highlights the diversity in toilet designs in Ancient Rome.

3. Decoration and Adornments:

   • Some public latrines were adorned with marble revetments and fountains, as seen in the example of the Wrestlers Baths at Saint-Romain-en-Gal (France). The walls were decorated with frescoes depicting wrestlers and discus throwers, adding an artistic and cultural touch to these spaces.

4. Private Toilets in Roman Houses:

   • Private toilets were not exclusive to public spaces. Roman houses and upstairs apartments also had their own toilets, showcasing a level of sophistication and sanitation in domestic settings. Examples from Pompeii and Herculaneum are cited as evidence.

5. Chamber Pots for the Less Fortunate:

   • The article mentions that if you were not fortunate enough to live in a house with a toilet, you would use a chamber pot. This highlights the socio-economic disparities in access to sanitation facilities.

6. Military Camp Latrines:

   • Even in the military camps set up by the Roman armies, communal latrines were present. The article points to Hadrian's Wall in Britain as having some of the best representations of soldier's toilets, providing insight into the practical aspects of sanitation in the military.

7. Further Reading and Resources:

   • The article concludes by offering links and further reading recommendations, including sources like "Latrinae Et Foricae: Toilets in the Roman World" by Barry Hobson and "Roman Toilets: Their Archaeology and Cultural History" edited by Gemma Jansen. This demonstrates a commitment to scholarly rigor and encourages readers to explore the topic in more detail.

In essence, the article paints a vivid picture of the toilet culture in Ancient Rome, combining historical evidence, archaeological findings, and visual documentation to provide a comprehensive understanding of this often overlooked aspect of daily life in antiquity.