![]() The stone seating is still preserved around the walls, and there is a small basin next to the pillar which separates the two doorways into the room. The latrines near the Forum Baths at Ostia Antica (Italy). Here is a collection of public toilets ( foricae) I have photographed at different sites. They vary in sizes and shapes from the large semi-circular or rectangular ones to the smaller private ones with up to 10 seats. Toilets are to be found at many archaeological sites. However, public latrines were perfectly acceptable in Ancient Rome. ![]() To modern readers, this can sound rather shocking as for us, going to the toilet is most definitely a private matter. Which translates to “In privies Vacerra consumes the hours the whole day does he sit Vacerra wants to dine, he does not want to shit” Martial – Book 11 – Epigram 77 Fresco from a corridor leading to a latrine with Isis protecting a man relieving himself and the words Cacator cave malum (Shitter beware the evil) Naples Archaeological Museum. 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 for socializing: ![]()
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