Public Latrines in Ancient Rome

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toldinstone

toldinstone

Күн бұрын

Almost every Roman city had large public latrines, where many people - often 20 or more - could relieve themselves in remarkably opulent settings. This video explores how the use, decoration, and (many) hazards of Rome's latrines.
Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon:
/ toldinstone
If you liked this video, you might also enjoy my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans.”
www.amazon.com/Naked-Statues-...
If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web:
/ toldinstone
/ toldinstone
/ 20993845.garrett_ryan
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Private toilets
1:34 Chamber pots
2:01 Public latrines
3:58 Woosh Drains!
4:21 How to use a Roman latrine
5:09 The infamous sponge
6:00 How dirty were latrines?
7:05 Conclusion
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 3 100
@Ntyler01mil
@Ntyler01mil 2 жыл бұрын
I don't think I've ever seen a local business sponsor a KZfaq video before. It's rather refreshing.
@chillzedd8179
@chillzedd8179 2 жыл бұрын
Woosh Pipe & Drains > Raid Shadow Legends
@toldinstone
@toldinstone 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, I'm very glad Steve was willing to give it a try. I'd much rather help a small business than be just another member of a huge corporate ad campaign.
@enkonu
@enkonu 2 жыл бұрын
@@chillzedd8179 hell yeah
@rb3872
@rb3872 2 жыл бұрын
@@toldinstone I almost made a call, but apparently he is not serving in the Netherlands. Now imagine a plumber cleaning out these latrines. Can't think of much worse jobs. Although they prolly had slaves to do that.
@abrahamg4857
@abrahamg4857 2 жыл бұрын
I didn't fast forward through it.... It was pretty neat
@panqueque445
@panqueque445 2 жыл бұрын
I am delighted to learn that the art of leaving messages in public bathrooms is, in fact, ancient.
@ynp1978
@ynp1978 2 жыл бұрын
They paint these walls to silence my pen....but the shit house poet strikes again!
@alfx5432
@alfx5432 2 жыл бұрын
😂
@tallyflower1337
@tallyflower1337 2 жыл бұрын
LOL, LOL, LOL, LOL!
@boxoffisa
@boxoffisa 2 жыл бұрын
@@ynp1978 lmao
@justinjohnson85
@justinjohnson85 2 жыл бұрын
@John Smith 😂😂😂😂
@ChildOfAshes1
@ChildOfAshes1 2 жыл бұрын
The things we don't even realize we take for granted. These obscure pieces of history are SO fascinating to me.
@mchrysogelos7623
@mchrysogelos7623 2 жыл бұрын
Oh believe me! I DON'T take any of this for granted!! I have always researched about these kinds of things. so interesting.
@SerlingPictures
@SerlingPictures 2 жыл бұрын
Evidently you've never shit inside a Walmart or Dollar Tree because those bathrooms make these look like something from the plaza hotel. I've been gawked at countless times mid-wipe and walked in on as someone easily pushed through the stall door that was modified with a fucking chain lock they grabbed from the hardware section.
@tylerdurdenstronghltv8565
@tylerdurdenstronghltv8565 2 жыл бұрын
They still do it in India in 2022
@Lorimars319
@Lorimars319 2 жыл бұрын
Fascinating to me also!
@1112viggo
@1112viggo 2 жыл бұрын
Maybe they should make a toilet history museum, how would you like that?
@smartysmarty1714
@smartysmarty1714 3 ай бұрын
"Pardon me sir, but could I wash my hands in that basin?" "Of course, just as soon as I finish washing this ass sponge".....
@AS-qg1xu
@AS-qg1xu 3 ай бұрын
😂
@CockmageLVL99
@CockmageLVL99 Ай бұрын
"Oh splendid! Mind if I park my used ass stones here while I wait?"
@brichess8227
@brichess8227 2 жыл бұрын
having the tolilets randomly shoot flame is definitely one way to get everyone to use them faster I guess
@JOlivier2011
@JOlivier2011 2 жыл бұрын
As someone with IBS I feel attacked
@eTraxx
@eTraxx 2 жыл бұрын
I remember the toilets we had in Desert Shield. They were .. communal .. and the receptacle was the bottom of a 55 gal drum filled with diesel. One of the duties we got was to pull the receptacles out and burn the contents. That was not that bad in the winter as long as you kept upwind.
@sagapoetic8990
@sagapoetic8990 2 жыл бұрын
@@eTraxx I worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in a Central Asian village where everyone had outhouses. I used to tease my neighbors if anyone in the village had ever fallen into the hole in the wooden floor we used. They loved that quirky question -- only a foreigner would think of that, I used to hear xD
@clarkelliott5389
@clarkelliott5389 2 жыл бұрын
Perhaps this is where the expression, "flaming a**hole" came from! ;
@daos3300
@daos3300 2 жыл бұрын
at least explosions would get rid of the smell, albeit temporarily.
@noobie64
@noobie64 2 жыл бұрын
Having worked in the wastewater industry for 20 years it always interests me how different civilizations deal with the inevitable waste of large populations in one place. The Romans seemed to have had a pretty good infrastructure and understanding that buildup of sewage is a main factor in disease transmission. An insight which is exceedingly obvious to us today but as recently as early Victorian London was . complete mystery.
@SuWoopSparrow
@SuWoopSparrow 2 жыл бұрын
The Arab world was the first to have flushing toilets, as far as I know. I'm surprised it took the rest of the world a while to catch on.
@yippee8570
@yippee8570 2 жыл бұрын
@@SuWoopSparrow really? That's fascinating! Whereabouts and when?
@worldcomicsreview354
@worldcomicsreview354 2 жыл бұрын
The Roman idea of balancing the "humours" in the body led to be some surprisingly effective medicine, though it was succesful by accident. Part of the Renassance was the rediscovery of Roman medical knowledge. There was an account from the Crimean War of the fire normally used to cauterise amputations going out, so the doctor was "reduced to" using a roman ointment containing wine and egg whites (I imagine, in the 19th century British Army, that rum was substituted for the wine), and tying off the blood vessels with silk string. When he checked later, all the soldiers who'd haf the Roman treatment were sleeping peacefully, while all the ones who'd been cauterised with red-hot metal were in agony or dead.
@a.wenger3964
@a.wenger3964 2 жыл бұрын
Of course we have a natural aversion to such horrible smells, but it's interesting how some ancient communities came together so they didn't have to toss their excrement onto the street (and sometimes each other). I don't think the romans really had an advanced understanding of how sewage caused diseases though.
@mitchellbarnow1709
@mitchellbarnow1709 2 жыл бұрын
@@a.wenger3964 They just knew that it was nasty and stanky!
@roddydykes7053
@roddydykes7053 2 жыл бұрын
This is one of those things that makes me grateful to live in modern times more than any other bit of trivia
@oneshortgamer2540
@oneshortgamer2540 Жыл бұрын
i would rather live then lol
@sweetestaphrodite
@sweetestaphrodite 8 ай бұрын
@@oneshortgamer2540Why?
@oneshortgamer2540
@oneshortgamer2540 8 ай бұрын
@@sweetestaphrodite mainly curiosity and fro all studies, i want to experience their life
@tulipbubbly3748
@tulipbubbly3748 3 ай бұрын
​@@oneshortgamer2540you have lived that life. In your past lives. We all have.
@mschimpanzee2023
@mschimpanzee2023 Ай бұрын
proof?
@conradnelson5283
@conradnelson5283 Жыл бұрын
I’m 72 and remember using an outhouse at my best friends home. It was very strange seeing all the poop and stuff at the bottom and we used a seers catalog to wipe with. In the summer it was smelly and in the winter it was very cold.
@FlatlandMando
@FlatlandMando 4 ай бұрын
seers possibly should have their own catalog too but likely the company " Sears" provided the toilet paper unwittingly...
@sonjak8265
@sonjak8265 2 ай бұрын
Squatting is good for you. It develops muscles and prevents hemorrhoids.
@wooshpipeanddrainco.2606
@wooshpipeanddrainco.2606 2 жыл бұрын
You have to appreciate modern plumbing... I couldn't imagine octopi, snakes, explosions and wiping with rocks! Ouch. Another great video. Educational and Entertaining as always.
@foowashere
@foowashere 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the sponsorship, it was like a breath of fresh air. 👍
@21stcenturyozman20
@21stcenturyozman20 2 жыл бұрын
octopodes (pron. octo-POH-deez); no such word as 'octopi'.
@DrBaldhead
@DrBaldhead 2 жыл бұрын
Loved the sponsorship!
@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529
@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sponsoring this video. A few years ago I was curious about toilets in other parts of the world. What did people do before there was toilet paper? There are squat toilets in Japan. In the desert there are holes. People bring a cup of water and clean themselves with their left hand. A sign of disrespect is if they offer to shake your left hand.
@ComradeHeydi
@ComradeHeydi 2 жыл бұрын
@@21stcenturyozman20 deez? Deez nuts?
@rampagephoenix1735
@rampagephoenix1735 2 жыл бұрын
The fact that even something like Bathroom Graffiti has its own ancient history is what I find extraordinarily amusing.
@Perririri
@Perririri 2 жыл бұрын
*BIGGVS DICKVS SHAT HERE*
@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree
@sorestedhebytheTumtumtree 2 жыл бұрын
Right... Hahah that was funny
@steelwitness
@steelwitness 2 жыл бұрын
and the fact that a doctor was writing how well he crapped lmao he was like "damn thats the biggest shit ive ever taken gotta leave a note on the wall"
@ammagnolia
@ammagnolia Жыл бұрын
@@steelwitness and now some random dude is laughing at it in 2022. And nodding with approval of it
@cjmacq-vg8um
@cjmacq-vg8um Жыл бұрын
"here i sit all broken hearted, tried to shit but only farted." i wonder just old that line is? common indoor plumbing and chocolate are the two things i'm most thankful for living in "modern" times. otherwise we're pretty much just as screwed up as they were 2000 years ago. oh, i am glad crucifixion has fallen out of favor.
@JDsVarietyChannel
@JDsVarietyChannel 2 жыл бұрын
I have a house built in 1886, and I found a chamber pot in the ditch in the backyard with my metal detector. People have been using those things right up to the days when modern plumbing started being installed. Haha
@TheIVJackal
@TheIVJackal 2 жыл бұрын
Life's modern comforts in developed countries! I was just thinking how lucky we are to not be dealing with this in ancient times, yet many poor countries actually still do 😔
@SantiagOnline
@SantiagOnline 2 жыл бұрын
septic tank?
@chonconnor6144
@chonconnor6144 Жыл бұрын
Definitely, 2 of my grandparents grew up without modern plumbing. Chamber pots and outhouses/long drops were standard.
@beatlesboy95
@beatlesboy95 Жыл бұрын
That's not an old house mate
@bozomahoney
@bozomahoney 3 ай бұрын
I used them in the 70s on the farm
@brianthesnail3815
@brianthesnail3815 2 жыл бұрын
I lived in a farmhouse when I was a child that had stood there and rebuilt in parts several times over since Middle ages. The outside toilet in a small brick built room slightly separate from the main house had a porcelain WC from the late Victorian era in it but its construction was very clearly an earth closet. I used it often and interesting that in its original form Medieval monks had used that very same small room for the very same purpose.
@lede1810
@lede1810 2 жыл бұрын
In which country?
@brianthesnail3815
@brianthesnail3815 2 жыл бұрын
@@lede1810 England
@lede1810
@lede1810 2 жыл бұрын
@@brianthesnail3815 wow, sounds interesting. Thanks!
@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo
@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo 2 жыл бұрын
medieval abbeys in the UK had large communal latrines just like the romans did. with running water under it to take the waste away.
@brianthesnail3815
@brianthesnail3815 2 жыл бұрын
@@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo Yes Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire is near where my parent's farmhouse was. Our farm belong to the monks of Fountains Abbey back in the middle ages and acted as a sort of stopping off guest house when they were travelling. We still had the special carved stones near the front door that were the sign that it was a safe place to stay.
@unclejoe7466
@unclejoe7466 2 жыл бұрын
Without the statues and marble floors, I just can't perform. Seriously, though, my underground terra cotta pipes have tree roots in them -- not fun. Thanks, Steve and Toldinstone!
@unclejoe7466
@unclejoe7466 2 жыл бұрын
About the statues and marble floors, no. About the terra cotta sewer line, yes -- clay pipes were commonly used for underground sewer lines until the 50's and 60's. Still are in some places. It's usually more common in places where it can be manufactured locally, since it is heavy. My line is 4 inches inner diameter, 4 foot lenghts, with mortared bell end joints. The roots work their way into the joints to find the sweet stuff inside. Sorry if this is more than you wanted to know.
@finonevado8891
@finonevado8891 2 жыл бұрын
@@unclejoe7466 fascinating
@patrickgaimari4478
@patrickgaimari4478 2 жыл бұрын
Bulshit, there where wooden partitions. These stories are made up by what Romans called barbarian
@unclejoe7466
@unclejoe7466 2 жыл бұрын
@@patrickgaimari4478 The Vandals kept breaking the partitions.
@therealhellkitty5388
@therealhellkitty5388 2 жыл бұрын
You’d think shy bladder syndrome would be more of an issue under the gaze of statues…
@benbrazaski8470
@benbrazaski8470 2 жыл бұрын
Something most people don’t talk about in conversation, but something that everyone has to deal with. An amazing video as always.
@leonardodavid2842
@leonardodavid2842 2 жыл бұрын
Not all do. But those who don’t… oh, they really badly wish they did.
@organ9998
@organ9998 2 жыл бұрын
@@leonardodavid2842 what??
@BlokeBritish
@BlokeBritish 2 жыл бұрын
@@organ9998 his mind just switched off there for 5 secs and he scribbled that
@FreightmareFTW
@FreightmareFTW 2 жыл бұрын
Another thing about the Roman Empire is how it fulfilled the role of the beast from the sea in Revelation 13. Revelation 17 confirms that it is in fact Rome. There is a website called "RevelationTimelineDecoded" that explains this, there is also a video here on youtube called "From Babylon to America" by SchoolForProphets. What we can conclude from this is that A) God is real and Jesus is His son, not only that but He can predict the future or make it happen or B) The Nations, governments, and rulers have been conspiring together for the last 3000+ years to accomplish this strange "roadmap" setup by the Israelites. It is still ongoing to with th rebirth of Israel in 1948 to the allying of Russia and Iran (Gog and Magog + Persia) to the new RFID microchips that Sweden is testing out right now. You don't really need to speculate on this because you can start a relationship with God and have proof. Pray for Him to intervene in your life and look for the motion of His hand. Take full advantage of every moment you have to better yourself and the others around you. Repent and follow Jesus!
@1112viggo
@1112viggo 2 жыл бұрын
@@BlokeBritish lol he is making a joke about constipation... How do people not get that?
@xylerian
@xylerian 2 жыл бұрын
That bit at the end about Fortuna cracked me up. Great video!
2 жыл бұрын
AWESOME!! THANK YOU!!! THAT WAS VERY INTERESTING!! and thanks for the SPONSOR also!!!
@regularperson9965
@regularperson9965 2 жыл бұрын
Imagine deciding to build a private latrine but then you just feel like a two seater would be more preferable.
@hamdiatasoy2456
@hamdiatasoy2456 2 жыл бұрын
Couples who shit together stay together.
@skinmanikin
@skinmanikin 2 жыл бұрын
...and you can share your sponge with whoever joins you xD lol
@nullifye7816
@nullifye7816 2 жыл бұрын
romans liked being sociable, you'd want to have someone to talk philosophy and military strategy with for entertainment. And since women used the same toilets, who knows? you might meet the girl of your dreams and get a sneak preview to boot.
@remilenoir1271
@remilenoir1271 Жыл бұрын
@@nullifye7816 I heard romans liked to breath and eat as well.
@gail2500
@gail2500 Жыл бұрын
@@nullifye7816 that's funny, but takes all the mystery out, doesn't it!!🤔🇦🇺
@PinballCollection
@PinballCollection 2 жыл бұрын
Nothing makes pooping more pleasant than direct eye contact with your homies.
@shayalynn
@shayalynn Ай бұрын
👁️👄👁️
@PinballCollection
@PinballCollection Ай бұрын
@@shayalynn :^)
@darkhelmutt3417
@darkhelmutt3417 Жыл бұрын
That was the only in-video ad I haven’t skipped through
@markcarson1844
@markcarson1844 2 жыл бұрын
Great video and added comments to bring some humor to this subject.
@33Donner77
@33Donner77 2 жыл бұрын
"Please pass the sponge." "Be patient, there are a few people ahead of you." (I've heard that there may have been small music groups in the larger latrines, where the music would cover up all the gas noises.)
@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo
@Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo 2 жыл бұрын
never happened. its a myth
@dannymack1196
@dannymack1196 3 ай бұрын
😂
@lupepedraza8497
@lupepedraza8497 3 ай бұрын
😅😅😅😅😅
@nonnius2861
@nonnius2861 2 жыл бұрын
I work in construction in London, which was then but a glint in the eye of the venerable Roman empire . Clay pipes from our Victorian era, and occasionally earlier, are still doing sterling service, where undisturbed, to most of the suburbs of this city. Please don't knock the humble fired clay sewage pipe. When properly buried, you can generally leave it alone for 100+ years with minimal maintenance.
@clarkpagels5471
@clarkpagels5471 2 жыл бұрын
In New York, they are still using some wooden pipes from the colonial era.
@sagapoetic8990
@sagapoetic8990 2 жыл бұрын
@@clarkpagels5471 Wow. I had no idea, being from Queens myself. Do you per chance know what kind of wood??
@daos3300
@daos3300 2 жыл бұрын
@@sagapoetic8990 stinkwood?
@IvySnowFillyVideos
@IvySnowFillyVideos 2 жыл бұрын
Its new york I'm sure they recycle. Wooden salad bowl anyone?
@Alex-rx7lt
@Alex-rx7lt 2 жыл бұрын
😂
@xxxxxx-tq4mw
@xxxxxx-tq4mw 4 ай бұрын
I remember these in the u.s. army barracks. They caused a lot of consternation, and constipation until absolutely necessary, and gotten used to.
@leoray1234
@leoray1234 4 күн бұрын
Are you saying army barracks resembled Roman latrines?
@MrJoeybabe25
@MrJoeybabe25 2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Liked and subscribed and thanks!
@Dionaea_floridensis
@Dionaea_floridensis 2 жыл бұрын
"chamber pot shrapnel" sounds like a metal band
@rickb3078
@rickb3078 2 жыл бұрын
They’d be the opening act to cradle of filth:
@keefsmiff
@keefsmiff Ай бұрын
I love the tracks 1. "Ode to the Porcelain Throne" 2. "Sharin' the Bowl with Beelzebub" and 3. "Don't Drop the Dookie in the Mosh Pit" from the first album
@jared1870
@jared1870 2 жыл бұрын
Ok, kudos for making this topic, entertaining. Octupus, snakes, flames, advice and graffiti. At least the last item hasn't changed since then.
@pixelpatter01
@pixelpatter01 2 жыл бұрын
Too much time to contemplate while you're sitting there. LOL
@backalleycqc4790
@backalleycqc4790 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, and at 5:38, the movie "Demolition Man" was right to have three shells at their latrines, who woulda thunk it? 🤣🤣
@Tbail
@Tbail 2 жыл бұрын
Loved the video. Loved the local ad. Bought the book. What can I say? Job well done
@mrmusiclover4178
@mrmusiclover4178 2 жыл бұрын
Very well-done video. Thanks!
@allanconnor1013
@allanconnor1013 2 жыл бұрын
These Roman latrines are very similar to the toilet facilities at an army camp I had the pleasure of attending in Cultybraggan in Scotland. The structure consisted of a long clay (not terracotta regretably) pipe approximately two feet in diameter with a hole every four feet or so with burlap between each aperture to ensure one's privacy and comfort. Water constantly flowed through the pipe to remove its contents. On occasion some of the camp's more mischevious inhabitants would activate a ThunderFlash (military grade pyrotechinical device) and float it in the flowing sewage so that its explosive nature might entertain or even motivate the latrine's occupants.
@cindydott452
@cindydott452 2 жыл бұрын
My dad once told me that when he was a young man, he and some friends went to Mexico. They found a place that had a stream of water flowing along the bottom of the bar. After a while they noticed that the locals "Used" this steam. It was a very public urinal! You didn't have to leave, and could keep on drinking while doin' your thing! My mom yelled at him for telling me about it. LOL!
@jonfallis305
@jonfallis305 4 ай бұрын
cultybraggan, have visited in 1980s while on exercise, a very basic site!
@mitchellbarnow1709
@mitchellbarnow1709 2 жыл бұрын
Garrett, I really want to thank you for broaching this subject that is often overlooked. In our modern movies, TV shows and everywhere else, we never seem to see what people do when they have to poop, especially when they are constipated or have diarrhea.
@archangelliii2536
@archangelliii2536 2 жыл бұрын
Archaeologists and historians have found drawings of ancient folks having sex and what have you. I'm pretty sure there has to be drawings of folks pooping somewhere!!
@aaronwatson9928
@aaronwatson9928 2 жыл бұрын
Such a great idea for a video. I never knew I wanted to know this until now.
@coerydouglas1924
@coerydouglas1924 2 жыл бұрын
thank you for this glorious content!!!
@YAH2121
@YAH2121 2 жыл бұрын
Learning about ancient toilets really make you appreciate modern plumbing
@MelB868
@MelB868 Жыл бұрын
By thumbnail my bottom is too big for that tiny hole
@GetYouStretchedGang
@GetYouStretchedGang 11 ай бұрын
Thank you africa
@rubberroast1598
@rubberroast1598 11 ай бұрын
I'm a civil engineer and and 'modern' plumbing isn't really that modern at all. Same mechanics as past 150+ years. place water in a high tower creating gravitational water pressure, to the underlying buildings and taps. No electricity, heat or digital computers needed!! remarkable
@gabrielex
@gabrielex 6 ай бұрын
Actually the plumbing works made by Romans was top of the class, probably better than some crappy plumbing you can see sometimes today...
@socalindi8241
@socalindi8241 2 жыл бұрын
Honestly this situation is far better than what I experienced in the 70's on Indian reservations. A wood shack with 10 holes cut-out and both men and women sat there. Scary as heck for a kid to go inside that thing.
@wujekzwanny630
@wujekzwanny630 2 жыл бұрын
sorry to hear that mate!
@agirlisnoone5953
@agirlisnoone5953 2 жыл бұрын
Did you wipe with rocks? Were there fiery explosions? Animals coming out of those holes? I very much doubt it was worse than these in the video. Bad, yes. Worse? Nah
@socalindi8241
@socalindi8241 2 жыл бұрын
@@agirlisnoone5953 Really?! As a 7 year old kid seeing adult genitals was scary.
@agirlisnoone5953
@agirlisnoone5953 2 жыл бұрын
@@socalindi8241 yeah, but not worse than the Romans.
@sergioperez2771
@sergioperez2771 2 жыл бұрын
@@socalindi8241 Nice of "no one," who experienced neither circumstance, to tell you how bad you really didn't have it.
@bodawei425
@bodawei425 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic video, informative, a few anecdotes and funny! Thanks
@rileybrewer
@rileybrewer 2 жыл бұрын
These videos are always terrific.
@The_Captainn
@The_Captainn 2 жыл бұрын
The plumbing ad is honestly fantastic
@perplexingperceptions8888
@perplexingperceptions8888 2 жыл бұрын
One popped up on me too.
@Frank-mm2yp
@Frank-mm2yp 2 жыл бұрын
Roman life in general, for the vast majority of Romans, was unpleasant, dim, crowded and reeking. So the opportunity to do one's business in the relative "comfort" of their public latrines must have seemed, to the "average" Roman, to be one of the hall marks of an advanced civilization.
@mauriceschaeffer5070
@mauriceschaeffer5070 2 жыл бұрын
True indeed. It can be argued living a seemingly hunter gatherer life was and still is the best for human liberty.
@nokomarie1963
@nokomarie1963 2 жыл бұрын
@@mauriceschaeffer5070 and decreased parasitical load!
@reeyees50
@reeyees50 2 жыл бұрын
pretty sure the ideas of personal space, hygiene and cleanliness most certainly inherited from the Roman practices, though rudimental, gave us public bathrooms, spas and bathing everyday. Hunter gatherers on the other hand have to put up with things we modern people will never imagine doing.
@daos3300
@daos3300 2 жыл бұрын
​@@reeyees50 if you've ever been camping (properly, not in horrendous 'organised' camp sites) you'll know that crapping in nature is one of the more pleasant and sustainable ways of dealing with human waste. just like a traditional outhouse, solid and liquid waste is separated leading to very little bad smell, and excrement quickly biodegrades and makes excellent compost.
@reeyees50
@reeyees50 2 жыл бұрын
@@daos3300 im colombian, you get flies up yo ass when crapping in the wild. Cant relax or read. All you can do is get it done as quickly as possible and more on. Pure barbarism
@ABlackCountryWoman
@ABlackCountryWoman Жыл бұрын
Astoria used to be so great. I'm from Forest Hills, but my Mom's family live in Astoria for many years. My Uncle Jow owned Kopp's Animal Hospital. I still have friends in Queens so I will share your plumbing service information with them.
@surfcitiz
@surfcitiz 2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant, both for advertising and informative value.
@gourdtube
@gourdtube 2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting sponsor! for the first time ever I wish i had a reason to support that business because they're supporting a creator I like. I guess your average sponsor (like Raycon - high quality wireless headphones that rival any major brand) does the same thing but, it never has the honest ring to it that Woosh does on this one.
@locutus1126
@locutus1126 2 жыл бұрын
About 20 years ago, I was in Italy and visiting my Aunt's who's house goes back over 100 years, but renovated up to current standards. They still kept the out house as a memorial and amazing to see that. A simple thing we take for granted and 100 years ago, they had to dump outside. My gramps made a foot pump bidet where a barrel of rain water was used to clean up. What started as a stone house, now has electricity, indoor plumbing, radiant heat only due to no duct work and a paved road in front. We piss and moan about the silliest things now. Trying going back 100 or so years and enjoy shitting in a pit and dirty water pumped from a well or the whole family sharing the same basin for washing.
@BlokeBritish
@BlokeBritish 2 жыл бұрын
@David u r not far far far from the truth
@locutus1126
@locutus1126 2 жыл бұрын
@David true, but her, my dad and other 2 siblings, plus their dad lived into 90s living with bare necessities
@the_forbinproject2777
@the_forbinproject2777 2 жыл бұрын
if X-rebels get their way we'll be going back further than that to save the planet!
@myfighthere
@myfighthere 2 жыл бұрын
My grandma's house (where I lived for a good half of my childhood) had an outhouse even 25 years ago! My parents have an "optional" one (in addition to indoor plumbing) even now! And my school had a communal outhouse sort of like this one, too 😶 (No wonder I preferred to "hold it in" for 6 hours!) 😄
@SouthernOregonOrgani
@SouthernOregonOrgani 2 жыл бұрын
My mom has told me the exact same situation for when she visited family in spain in the country side in the 1960's! No running water, to electricity, and a hole in the ground to do your business. How far we have come, its amazing the privilege's we have now.
@jasond6150
@jasond6150 2 жыл бұрын
Interesting video, thanks for teaching me something!
@dennisspqr
@dennisspqr 2 жыл бұрын
I heard once on a tour of a public Roman toilet that those sponges on a stick to clean up.....were handed around. All used the same sponges and only rinsed them afterwards. This piece of information has really.....impressed me
@Seabass-fg1zs
@Seabass-fg1zs 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome ad, love to see the support for a true local & small business. Love the videos too, keep up the amazing work!
@AlfredSmallJohnson
@AlfredSmallJohnson 2 жыл бұрын
3:30 imagine just writing on a wall that you had a good shit one day and archeologists 2000 years later discover it
@bloodandguts6586
@bloodandguts6586 2 жыл бұрын
I think what is even more impressive is the modern open air public latrine design in San Fransico.
@valuetraveler2026
@valuetraveler2026 2 ай бұрын
🤣
@g.g.1663
@g.g.1663 10 ай бұрын
Some scholars believe that the sponge was use to clean the facilities, not for cleaning every user after sitting on them, like it is done today in some places.
@edwardschneider5135
@edwardschneider5135 2 жыл бұрын
Many thanks for another witty, gentle, and informative look into the Roman world. Your humor continues to delight me and my husband, and your scholarship continues to engage and inform us. You have a lovely gift for storytelling. Thank you for sharing it. I remember how uncomfortable I was when I first encountered a Roman public toilet - I think it was in Ephesus, but I can't remember for sure offhand. I realized at the time how different my toilet cultural sensibilities differed from those of the Romans. Your video brought those memories back this evening. You've given me another gift by prodding me out of my comfort zone. My husband suggests a video on the typical items found in an agora and forum, and the typical items for sale elsewhere outside the market places. We look forward to your next video, no matter what the subject.
@cerberus6654
@cerberus6654 2 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure I've read in a number of sources that if the Vigiles caught someone emptying a chamber pot out of a window they would fine that person and that landlords always kept an eye out for any tenants upstairs who did that. And, that most people (presumable men) made use of vats placed on most streetcorners.
@elfarlaur
@elfarlaur 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah that's true. A professor told me it was especially common to dump out the window at night though since it was more convenient then going out to empty the chamber pot and you're less likely to get caught. Thankfully you're less likely to dump it on someone then as well.
@toldinstone
@toldinstone 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, people weren't supposed to empty their chamber pots out the window, and there were regulations forbidding it (as far as we can tell) in most Roman cities. But human nature being what it is, it seems to have happened with distressing frequency.
@sagapoetic8990
@sagapoetic8990 2 жыл бұрын
@@toldinstone Is there an old Sicilian or maybe it is an old Italian custom where men would walk on the outside and have women walk inside (closer to the building) and men would then catch most of whatever might be carelessly tossed from an overhead window or balcony? What a fascinating and fun video -- I can imagine the sponsor in Astoria greatly appreciate this, too. It was so interesting to watch this, thank you again
@charlottekey8856
@charlottekey8856 2 жыл бұрын
@@sagapoetic8990 I would think the one closer is going to catch most of it. Women walking on the inside had more to do with skirts getting splashed from the roadways.
@e-curb
@e-curb 2 жыл бұрын
"(presumable men) made use of vats placed on most streetcorners." It's my understanding that there were urinals out on the public streets and that the urine was collected for use as a cleaning solution: Uric acid. The uric acid was used to clean their laundry. Rinsed with clear water afterwards, of course! It is also suggested that the Romans used uric acid to brush their teeth. Who's going to be the first person to test the effectiveness of this and get back to us?
@MichaelBrown-ny3et
@MichaelBrown-ny3et Жыл бұрын
The Army used these into the late 80’s at basic training sites, in particular Ft. Campbell, KY.
@georgehopkins2069
@georgehopkins2069 Жыл бұрын
Very informative and well presented - thank you! Shout out to WHOOSH PLUMBING! If I lived in their service area, I would certainly use their services based solely on their sponsorship of this video!
@stevearchtoe7039
@stevearchtoe7039 2 жыл бұрын
“He doesn’t know how to use the 3 seashells!”
@brettdziekonski1451
@brettdziekonski1451 2 жыл бұрын
I was just about to put the same comment!!......Great minds think alike!
@peternakitch4167
@peternakitch4167 2 жыл бұрын
I mis-read the title as ‘Public libraries in ancient Rome’. An occupational hazard, I still watched.
@michaelzajic6231
@michaelzajic6231 4 ай бұрын
What fun! Its all in the details.
@peterlynchchannel
@peterlynchchannel Жыл бұрын
"Clean your butt with the sponge Timulus!" "But all these guys just used it!"
@DowntownPaco
@DowntownPaco 2 жыл бұрын
As always Dr. Ryan you’re witty humor is always appreciated, even when you talk about Roman latrines. Thank you again for another fabulous video.
@itsok2bwhiteendanti-whiteh548
@itsok2bwhiteendanti-whiteh548 2 жыл бұрын
Imagine sitting next to a guy today on an open toilet latrine. You: Watching KZfaq Other Guy: “Hey… watcha (grunt followed by splash) watchin’?”
@musiqsoul5354
@musiqsoul5354 3 ай бұрын
Lmao
@noorjaved1184
@noorjaved1184 Жыл бұрын
Very good informative video 👍🏿
@Wanddarey
@Wanddarey 2 жыл бұрын
Modern toilets: *Goes into private stall* "Eww gross" Ancient toilets: *Enters communal bathroom* "Hey bro, didn't think I'd see you here could you pass me the communal sponge?" "Sure. AYO WHAT DA OCTOPUS DOIN!?" BOOOOOOOOM *THE WHOLE FUCKING PLACE BLOWS UP*
@ickabod_crank
@ickabod_crank 2 жыл бұрын
The smell of emptying of the chamber pot out the window is similar to the streets of San Francisco.
@SrGemmaRose
@SrGemmaRose 2 жыл бұрын
I don’t think he was trying to be racist. It’s just than San Fran has a huge population of homeless individuals that have no access to toilets. And so there is a lot of public urination and dedication on the city streets. Not blaming on race or anything. It’s really such a sad situation.
@hellswindstaff91
@hellswindstaff91 2 жыл бұрын
same thing in Santa Monica i learned the hard way a month ago
@goodone5590
@goodone5590 Жыл бұрын
You can use the waste to power Energy Powerplant!
@thelastboomer9088
@thelastboomer9088 Жыл бұрын
The people I’ve seen in San Francisco are from all races. I don’t think the comment was racist but rather indicative of the stench such a large homeless population creates. Your comment is an example of overuse of the accusation and hence it’s loss of any significant value.
@ickabod_crank
@ickabod_crank Жыл бұрын
@@thelastboomer9088 what are you talking about? You are reading into something that exists only in your mind. Quit with the race card. You sound like have fallen victim to the propaganda. The streets of San Francisco is a cess pool of filth. Go there and experience it yourself. Society has gone to hell and making excuses for it is how it has gotten us here. Have the courage to think outside of the narrative. Let’s make things better where and who we are. Not worse by falling for the lies that have indoctrinated so many many people.
@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156
@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 2 жыл бұрын
This the first time that I whole heartedly stand behind an advertisement in a youtube video. Very nice sponsorship idea.
@francine8806
@francine8806 Жыл бұрын
In front of the toilets was a channel with running water in which they cleaned their sponges. The channel is noticeable in some of the photos you showed of the ruins of ancient latrines.
@abhishekdanej
@abhishekdanej 2 жыл бұрын
Highly informative!
@Atlasbr001
@Atlasbr001 2 жыл бұрын
5:30 so the 3 seashells from demolition man were actually a retro throwback lmao
@sergioleone4215
@sergioleone4215 2 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of the latrines at Fort Gordon, Georgia back in the 70's. We had a row of about 10 toilets against a wall with no dividers or any privacy whatsoever. People would walk by in front as you were taking a dump on their way to the showers. The first time I saw that I vowed to hold it for the duration of my AIT training but that didn't quite work out. Lol.
@jimb3093
@jimb3093 2 жыл бұрын
Fort Bragg early 90's the same thing. I went through a pre-ranger course out there and toilets where side by side. I had to use it and sat down next to an Army chaplain lol! Both of us taking a crap chatting. haha!
@Menaceblue3
@Menaceblue3 2 жыл бұрын
@@jimb3093 "Father, any prayers to get the strength to pass the Poo?" "10 hail Mary's, 5 apostle creeds, and bite the bullet son!"!
@thetayz72
@thetayz72 11 ай бұрын
Treating soldiers like animals for no actual reason. Enormous budget, I think they could afford a door and 2 walls to shit unobserved.
@gvbalajee
@gvbalajee 2 жыл бұрын
Best information explanation
@kaiw1182
@kaiw1182 Жыл бұрын
There’s a large, communal latrine at one of the live fire ranges at Fort Irwin . Scariest thing was thinking about a black widow spider crawling onto you.
@moosegonemad9460
@moosegonemad9460 2 жыл бұрын
Shout out to Steve in Queens. I hope he gets some business from this! It's a great video idea :D
@glennmcgee1729
@glennmcgee1729 2 жыл бұрын
Steve is number one in the number two business.
@10z20
@10z20 2 жыл бұрын
Such an unusual and charming sponsorship!
@meenam300zx
@meenam300zx 2 жыл бұрын
You may not have an snake in your toilet but call Steve if you need to snake out your plugged toilet.
@RikuLeppanen
@RikuLeppanen 2 жыл бұрын
When I did my Finnish military training in the 80s, our toilet set-up was similar to the one of Romans. We had four seats on either side without any partitions. It is interesting how quickly it became the most natural thing to do one's business and chat with army mates about the daily events.
@boxoffisa
@boxoffisa 2 жыл бұрын
Did it feel awkward at first to poop while someone looking in your face?
@smokingjoe9864
@smokingjoe9864 2 жыл бұрын
Hey bud, hand me some of that toilet paper? That sucks. 10 guys in there. Nothing worse than a dozen heads all abreast.
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry, but for the 80s that sounds utterly disgusting. :(
@akolyt
@akolyt 2 жыл бұрын
80s???? 😬
@scorfanazzo4458
@scorfanazzo4458 2 жыл бұрын
You finns are quite the strange bunch but at the same a very fascinating people!
@abdulalhazred3027
@abdulalhazred3027 2 жыл бұрын
6:46 That gives new meaning to the song O Fortuna.
@levoGAMES
@levoGAMES 2 жыл бұрын
As a kid, we often played outside in the parks, for hours on end. Leaves from bushes and trees would suffice when the walk home was too far.
@mongrelrat
@mongrelrat 2 жыл бұрын
The "Cloaca Maxima" in Rome (lit. Greatest Sewer), built during early Roman Republic 2500 year ago, is still used nowadays.
@michaelmullin7941
@michaelmullin7941 Жыл бұрын
Don't go swimming in the Tiber.
@gerardjacquemier5137
@gerardjacquemier5137 2 жыл бұрын
Très informé comme d'habitude. Félicitations!
@chefrob1020
@chefrob1020 2 жыл бұрын
Terribly interesting! Thank you! If you've ever been camping or lived in rural areas, this stuff doesn't shock you. But, most city people can't even compute this behavior...LOL.
@moriver3857
@moriver3857 2 жыл бұрын
I can relate to this. Back in the 70s during basic training in the Army, all the toilets and showers were in the open,(no privacy, and there was a reason for this, so we were told) and we would pass along the toilet paper and soap to one another. Do that in today's generation. Still, it seemed normal to us, soldiers.
@desertweasel6965
@desertweasel6965 2 жыл бұрын
A huge octopus crawled out of one of the toilets as everyone stared in amazement. Some laughed, others were frightened. This one event that happened in a Roman toilet has made it 2000 years into the future. We are still talking about that one morning an octopus crawled from that toilet.
@michaelwayne7887
@michaelwayne7887 2 жыл бұрын
"...gouts of flame roaring through the seats" Lol!
@savanalexis1947
@savanalexis1947 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting video.....😮
@DianeC.
@DianeC. 2 жыл бұрын
This was interesting. Had to smile when you mentioned Astoria. My Grandmother lived in Queens. Wanted my Grandson to name his daughter Astoria!!!...
@mikew3194
@mikew3194 2 жыл бұрын
"chamber pot shrapnel" - My dude, I've enjoyed your free content long enough, I'm absolutely grabbing a copy of your book when I can, you're a fantastic writer lol
@jerryulrich2637
@jerryulrich2637 2 жыл бұрын
I usually skip over embedded ads but seeing one for a neighborhood specific small business is very charming.
@sonichedgehog8723
@sonichedgehog8723 2 жыл бұрын
Nice job, I usually don't like videos like this but it kept my attention to the very end. I didn't know any of the info either, you learn something new everyday.
@Deepthought-42
@Deepthought-42 2 жыл бұрын
Watching this video has taken the strain out of everyday life. 🤔 It reminds me of some old factory toilets in the UK which had seats over a trough of running water to take the excrement away. There are anecdotes of making sure to ensure using an upstream stall to avoid the risk of some joker setting fire to a floating object to the obvious discomfort of those seated downstream.
@sudhindrakopalle7071
@sudhindrakopalle7071 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for a wonderful video. It is astonishing how KZfaq can bring us information and knowledge that we would have certainly not known otherwise.
@romanchavez8758
@romanchavez8758 2 жыл бұрын
Being woken up to a new toldinstone video is the best feeling in the world!
@jonatandec7083
@jonatandec7083 2 жыл бұрын
It's 20:30 in my country, so I cannot share that pleasure
@N00B283
@N00B283 2 жыл бұрын
@@jonatandec7083 hello fellow European👋🏽
@jonatandec7083
@jonatandec7083 2 жыл бұрын
@@N00B283 ah i see you're a man of culture as well
@jeffb.140
@jeffb.140 2 жыл бұрын
Just in time for a stiff drink!
@rb3872
@rb3872 2 жыл бұрын
Still a virgin I see?! :P
@basicallydan
@basicallydan 2 жыл бұрын
One of my fave things about this video is the local sponsor. Nice.
@ScottCooperDeeDooper
@ScottCooperDeeDooper 2 жыл бұрын
Steve at Woosh Drain in NY is a fkkn legend for sponsoring this.
@MrAwawe
@MrAwawe 2 жыл бұрын
That has to be one of the best sponsor spots I've ever seen. If I ever need plumbing done in queens I'll know who to call.
@randyjax09
@randyjax09 2 жыл бұрын
I remember seeing an example of this in the Spartacus series and was completely grossed out by the communal wiping sponge. 😖
@2Sor2Fig
@2Sor2Fig 4 ай бұрын
Lmao, putting up frescos of the goddess Fortuna is the ancient equivalent of having a sign over the door to the ablutions that simply reads, "Good luck and have fun". Equal parts intrigue and trepidation.
@brianlee2646
@brianlee2646 Жыл бұрын
I wish I could visit these ancient times and experience their way of life.
@thecovidprisoner
@thecovidprisoner 2 жыл бұрын
Humorous presentation of a Roman basic function , great job. Interesting seeing sponsorship as well, thought it was a joke at first. 😀
@gillion192
@gillion192 2 жыл бұрын
6:46 how did he manage to say this without laughing, the imagery is absolutely hysterical
@jojojo6147
@jojojo6147 2 жыл бұрын
That's the origin of the phrase "on the hot seat."
@georgebeard2337
@georgebeard2337 5 ай бұрын
I came here to learn fascinating facts about roman latrines but that thing about going to the toilet being a whole hazard filled adventure really cracks me up. imagine a group of people relieving themselves when suddenly their toilets exploded! must have made a fine mess!
@killan001
@killan001 Жыл бұрын
That is a great design to include the D slot in the front.
@zin153
@zin153 2 жыл бұрын
Loved, and laughed out loud at the commentary.
@HerculesMays
@HerculesMays 2 жыл бұрын
Hey I'd *love* to see a video where you discuss ancient Roman/Greek novels in some detail, such as the Golden Ass and Satyricon, but also some of the lesser known stuff like the Aethiopica and perhaps fragments of even lesser known novels. I'm sure you could shed some interesting light on this topic, Toldinstone. Anyways, great video again!
@archangelliii2536
@archangelliii2536 2 жыл бұрын
Now you FINALLY saw a video about Ass...I'm not sure if they were Golden though!!!!😆😂😅
@HerculesMays
@HerculesMays 2 жыл бұрын
@@archangelliii2536 Well, if it were Nero's ass it might have been sprinkled with gold lol.
@petermuller608
@petermuller608 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steve!
@reggierendon2847
@reggierendon2847 6 ай бұрын
The Aztecs had similar latrines, but the water flow down a hill, where the slaves cleaned up. The human waste was then taken to be used as fertilizer in the fields
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