Uploaded December 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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:
patreon.com/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.”
amazon.com/Naked-Statues-Fat-Gladiators-Elephants/dp/1633887022
If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web:
reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone
instagram.com/toldinstone
goodreads.com/author/show/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!
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:
patreon.com/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.”
amazon.com/Naked-Statues-Fat-Gladiators-Elephants/dp/1633887022
If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web:
reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/profiles/toldinstone
instagram.com/toldinstone
goodreads.com/author/show/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!










