Latrina
Toilets that could be in private or public spaces
Latrina (plural latrinae) is the Latin word for a toilet in ancient Rome. The Roman world had both private and public toilets - latrinae were individual toilets (domestic or public), foricae (singular forica) were multi-seat, open concept facilities that were often found in public areas near water features, sewer lines, or balneae (Roman bathing facilities). Many domus (houses), villae (estates), and even units in insulae (apartment buildings) had some form of latrina in them, but both the quality and functionality of the latrina varied depending on status. Wealthier Romans sometimes had running water supplied by aquaeducti under their latrinae through terracotta or lead drain pipes to flush away their excrement into cesspits, but most domestic latrinae had to be flushed or emptied manually from nearby water sources - such as a kitchen or garden - and often by slaves (Osetta, n.d.). Public latrinae and foricae were often built in proximity to a water feature or balneae where excess water could be channeled under the latrinae to flush excrement into cesspits or sewer systems. Not all Roman cities had functional sewers, but cities like Rome and Ostia had sewer systems that still survive today. Latrinae seats were often made of either wood or stone, with circular holes that emptied into drainage gutters or channels through which water could flush excrement to a cesspit or sewer. Domestic latrinae typically only had one seat, but larger villae sometimes had multi-seat foricae on the premises. Public foricae would often have seats lining 2 or 3 walls of a room, with each individual seat spaced within arms reach of each other. Public foricae typically had another channel of water on the floor in front of each latrinae that was either used for washing hands, or washing out sponges which visitors would use to wipe themselves after defecating. Ancient literary sources confirm this use for sponges in public foricae, and traces of sponge have been found in some ancient sewers and latrinae. Domestic latrinae also typically had a water basin near them, and the same possible uses have been interpreted here (Osetta, n.d.). While it may seem obvious, one frequently overlooked and under-discussed aspect of the ancient world is how unsanitary it was compared to modern standards, and how terribly it would have smelled. Some domestic latrinae and most public foricae had ventilation windows as an attempt to combat the smell, but it is unlikely this provided much relief. Additionally, it is unclear whether visitors to public foricae brought their own wiping sponges with them, or if communal sponges were provided - adding to the unhygienic nature of ancient Roman toilets (Osetta, n.d.).
Bibliography
Latin Dictionary Entry
Latrina - Perseus Digital Library
Jay Brodzeller, 2022