The Ancients Roman Toilets
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Nov 13, 2025 
Dr. Hannah Platts, an expert in Roman archaeology from Royal Holloway, delves into the intriguing world of Roman toilets. She reveals how geology and location influenced toilet design across different sites. From communal latrines to private lavatories, Hannah explains the communal experiences, the infamous sponge on a stick, and the role of elite benefactors in building public toilets. The discussion also touches on hygiene practices, the engineering brilliance of sewers, and how Roman perceptions of smell and sanitation shaped daily life.
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Toilets Follow The Land, Not A Single Plan
- Roman toilet design varied more by local geology and water availability than by cultural uniformity across the empire.
- Cities adapted toilets, cesspits or sewers according to ground permeability and water table levels.
Multiple Sources Build The Picture
- Archaeology, texts and inscriptions together build our picture of Roman toilets and habits.
- Evidence ranges from stone latrines and waste pipes to graffiti, legal records and satirical literature.
Adoption Varied By Culture And Belief
- Uptake of communal toilets varied across regions due to cultural norms and religion, not just Roman presence.
- Italy and North Africa show many examples; Britain and the Near East show fewer, possibly due to ritual concerns about water and excrement.
