Public Latrines in Ancient Rome

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  • Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
  • 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!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,1 тис.

  • @Ntyler01mil
    @Ntyler01mil 2 роки тому +4215

    I don't think I've ever seen a local business sponsor a UA-cam video before. It's rather refreshing.

    • @chillzedd8179
      @chillzedd8179 2 роки тому +574

      Woosh Pipe & Drains > Raid Shadow Legends

    • @toldinstone
      @toldinstone  2 роки тому +1184

      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 роки тому +62

      @@chillzedd8179 hell yeah

    • @rb3872
      @rb3872 2 роки тому +129

      @@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 роки тому +56

      I didn't fast forward through it.... It was pretty neat

  • @panqueque445
    @panqueque445 2 роки тому +2356

    I am delighted to learn that the art of leaving messages in public bathrooms is, in fact, ancient.

    • @ynp1978
      @ynp1978 2 роки тому +76

      They paint these walls to silence my pen....but the shit house poet strikes again!

    • @alfx5432
      @alfx5432 2 роки тому +13

      😂

    • @tallyflower1337
      @tallyflower1337 2 роки тому +8

      LOL, LOL, LOL, LOL!

    • @boxoffisa
      @boxoffisa 2 роки тому +9

      @@ynp1978 lmao

    • @justinjohnson85
      @justinjohnson85 2 роки тому +8

      @John Smith 😂😂😂😂

  • @ChildOfAshes1
    @ChildOfAshes1 2 роки тому +740

    The things we don't even realize we take for granted. These obscure pieces of history are SO fascinating to me.

    • @mchrysogelos7623
      @mchrysogelos7623 2 роки тому +8

      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 роки тому +7

      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 роки тому +4

      They still do it in India in 2022

    • @Lorimars319
      @Lorimars319 2 роки тому

      Fascinating to me also!

    • @1112viggo
      @1112viggo Рік тому

      Maybe they should make a toilet history museum, how would you like that?

  • @smartysmarty1714
    @smartysmarty1714 2 місяці тому +20

    "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 2 місяці тому +3

      😂

    • @CockmageLVL99
      @CockmageLVL99 18 днів тому

      "Oh splendid! Mind if I park my used ass stones here while I wait?"

  • @brichess8227
    @brichess8227 2 роки тому +1841

    having the tolilets randomly shoot flame is definitely one way to get everyone to use them faster I guess

    • @JOlivier2011
      @JOlivier2011 2 роки тому +100

      As someone with IBS I feel attacked

    • @eTraxx
      @eTraxx 2 роки тому +62

      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 роки тому +46

      @@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 роки тому +43

      Perhaps this is where the expression, "flaming a**hole" came from! ;

    • @daos3300
      @daos3300 2 роки тому +9

      at least explosions would get rid of the smell, albeit temporarily.

  • @wooshpipeanddrainco.2606
    @wooshpipeanddrainco.2606 2 роки тому +1199

    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 роки тому +52

      Thanks for the sponsorship, it was like a breath of fresh air. 👍

    • @21stcenturyozman20
      @21stcenturyozman20 2 роки тому +10

      octopodes (pron. octo-POH-deez); no such word as 'octopi'.

    • @DrBaldhead
      @DrBaldhead 2 роки тому +7

      Loved the sponsorship!

    • @awaitingthetrumpetcall4529
      @awaitingthetrumpetcall4529 2 роки тому +7

      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 роки тому +26

      @@21stcenturyozman20 deez? Deez nuts?

  • @roddydykes7053
    @roddydykes7053 Рік тому +85

    This is one of those things that makes me grateful to live in modern times more than any other bit of trivia

    • @oneshortgamer2540
      @oneshortgamer2540 Рік тому

      i would rather live then lol

    • @sweetestaphrodite
      @sweetestaphrodite 7 місяців тому

      @@oneshortgamer2540Why?

    • @oneshortgamer2540
      @oneshortgamer2540 7 місяців тому +2

      @@sweetestaphrodite mainly curiosity and fro all studies, i want to experience their life

    • @tulipbubbly3748
      @tulipbubbly3748 2 місяці тому +3

      ​@@oneshortgamer2540you have lived that life. In your past lives. We all have.

    • @mschimpanzee2023
      @mschimpanzee2023 2 дні тому

      proof?

  • @conradnelson5283
    @conradnelson5283 Рік тому +22

    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 3 місяці тому +1

      seers possibly should have their own catalog too but likely the company " Sears" provided the toilet paper unwittingly...

    • @sonjak8265
      @sonjak8265 Місяць тому

      Squatting is good for you. It develops muscles and prevents hemorrhoids.

  • @rampagephoenix1735
    @rampagephoenix1735 2 роки тому +343

    The fact that even something like Bathroom Graffiti has its own ancient history is what I find extraordinarily amusing.

    • @Perririri
      @Perririri 2 роки тому

      *BIGGVS DICKVS SHAT HERE*

    • @sorestedhebytheTumtumtree
      @sorestedhebytheTumtumtree Рік тому +2

      Right... Hahah that was funny

    • @steelwitness
      @steelwitness Рік тому +21

      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 Рік тому +7

      @@steelwitness and now some random dude is laughing at it in 2022. And nodding with approval of it

    • @cjmacq-vg8um
      @cjmacq-vg8um Рік тому +5

      "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.

  • @noobie64
    @noobie64 2 роки тому +1209

    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 роки тому +61

      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 роки тому +26

      @@SuWoopSparrow really? That's fascinating! Whereabouts and when?

    • @worldcomicsreview354
      @worldcomicsreview354 2 роки тому +124

      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 роки тому +33

      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 роки тому +27

      @@a.wenger3964 They just knew that it was nasty and stanky!

  • @darkhelmutt3417
    @darkhelmutt3417 Рік тому +5

    That was the only in-video ad I haven’t skipped through

  • @JDsVarietyChannel
    @JDsVarietyChannel 2 роки тому +55

    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 роки тому +2

      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 роки тому

      septic tank?

    • @chonconnor6144
      @chonconnor6144 Рік тому

      Definitely, 2 of my grandparents grew up without modern plumbing. Chamber pots and outhouses/long drops were standard.

    • @beatlesboy95
      @beatlesboy95 Рік тому

      That's not an old house mate

    • @bozomahoney
      @bozomahoney 2 місяці тому +1

      I used them in the 70s on the farm

  • @PinballCollection
    @PinballCollection 2 роки тому +46

    Nothing makes pooping more pleasant than direct eye contact with your homies.

  • @unclejoe7466
    @unclejoe7466 2 роки тому +596

    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 роки тому +43

      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 роки тому +15

      @@unclejoe7466 fascinating

    • @patrickgaimari4478
      @patrickgaimari4478 2 роки тому +5

      Bulshit, there where wooden partitions. These stories are made up by what Romans called barbarian

    • @unclejoe7466
      @unclejoe7466 2 роки тому +8

      @@patrickgaimari4478 The Vandals kept breaking the partitions.

    • @therealhellkitty5388
      @therealhellkitty5388 2 роки тому +10

      You’d think shy bladder syndrome would be more of an issue under the gaze of statues…

  • @bloodandguts6586
    @bloodandguts6586 2 роки тому +21

    I think what is even more impressive is the modern open air public latrine design in San Fransico.

  • @brianthesnail3815
    @brianthesnail3815 2 роки тому +108

    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 роки тому +3

      In which country?

    • @brianthesnail3815
      @brianthesnail3815 2 роки тому +9

      @@lede1810 England

    • @lede1810
      @lede1810 2 роки тому +5

      @@brianthesnail3815 wow, sounds interesting. Thanks!

    • @Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo
      @Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo Рік тому +5

      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 Рік тому +3

      @@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.

  • @The_Captainn
    @The_Captainn 2 роки тому +29

    The plumbing ad is honestly fantastic

  • @benbrazaski8470
    @benbrazaski8470 2 роки тому +388

    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 роки тому +5

      Not all do. But those who don’t… oh, they really badly wish they did.

    • @organ9998
      @organ9998 2 роки тому +1

      @@leonardodavid2842 what??

    • @BlokeBritish
      @BlokeBritish 2 роки тому +4

      @@organ9998 his mind just switched off there for 5 secs and he scribbled that

    • @FreightmareFTW
      @FreightmareFTW Рік тому +1

      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 Рік тому +1

      @@BlokeBritish lol he is making a joke about constipation... How do people not get that?

  •  2 роки тому +4

    AWESOME!! THANK YOU!!! THAT WAS VERY INTERESTING!! and thanks for the SPONSOR also!!!

  • @xxxxxx-tq4mw
    @xxxxxx-tq4mw 3 місяці тому +4

    I remember these in the u.s. army barracks. They caused a lot of consternation, and constipation until absolutely necessary, and gotten used to.

  • @Dionaea_floridensis
    @Dionaea_floridensis 2 роки тому +39

    "chamber pot shrapnel" sounds like a metal band

    • @rickb3078
      @rickb3078 2 роки тому +7

      They’d be the opening act to cradle of filth:

    • @keefsmiff
      @keefsmiff 23 дні тому

      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

  • @YAH2121
    @YAH2121 2 роки тому +151

    Learning about ancient toilets really make you appreciate modern plumbing

    • @MelB868
      @MelB868 Рік тому +1

      By thumbnail my bottom is too big for that tiny hole

    • @GetYouStretchedGang
      @GetYouStretchedGang 10 місяців тому

      Thank you africa

    • @rubberroast1598
      @rubberroast1598 10 місяців тому +3

      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 5 місяців тому

      Actually the plumbing works made by Romans was top of the class, probably better than some crappy plumbing you can see sometimes today...

  • @xylerian
    @xylerian Рік тому

    That bit at the end about Fortuna cracked me up. Great video!

  • @rileybrewer
    @rileybrewer 2 роки тому

    These videos are always terrific.

  • @regularperson9965
    @regularperson9965 2 роки тому +269

    Imagine deciding to build a private latrine but then you just feel like a two seater would be more preferable.

    • @hamdiatasoy2456
      @hamdiatasoy2456 2 роки тому +3

      Couples who shit together stay together.

    • @skinmanikin
      @skinmanikin Рік тому +22

      ...and you can share your sponge with whoever joins you xD lol

    • @nullifye7816
      @nullifye7816 Рік тому +44

      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 Рік тому +13

      @@nullifye7816 I heard romans liked to breath and eat as well.

    • @gail2500
      @gail2500 Рік тому +1

      @@nullifye7816 that's funny, but takes all the mystery out, doesn't it!!🤔🇦🇺

  • @jared1870
    @jared1870 2 роки тому +121

    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 роки тому +5

      Too much time to contemplate while you're sitting there. LOL

    • @backalleycqc4790
      @backalleycqc4790 2 роки тому +6

      Yes, and at 5:38, the movie "Demolition Man" was right to have three shells at their latrines, who woulda thunk it? 🤣🤣

  • @MichaelBrown-ny3et
    @MichaelBrown-ny3et Рік тому +4

    The Army used these into the late 80’s at basic training sites, in particular Ft. Campbell, KY.

  • @basicallydan
    @basicallydan 2 роки тому +3

    One of my fave things about this video is the local sponsor. Nice.

  • @33Donner77
    @33Donner77 2 роки тому +41

    "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.)

  • @allanconnor1013
    @allanconnor1013 2 роки тому +56

    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 роки тому +7

      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 3 місяці тому

      cultybraggan, have visited in 1980s while on exercise, a very basic site!

  • @markcarson1844
    @markcarson1844 2 роки тому +3

    Great video and added comments to bring some humor to this subject.

  • @datboiderrty
    @datboiderrty 2 роки тому +2

    Over a million views for an ancient public restroom. Amazing

  • @peternakitch4167
    @peternakitch4167 2 роки тому +32

    I mis-read the title as ‘Public libraries in ancient Rome’. An occupational hazard, I still watched.

  • @nonnius2861
    @nonnius2861 2 роки тому +250

    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 роки тому +33

      In New York, they are still using some wooden pipes from the colonial era.

    • @sagapoetic8990
      @sagapoetic8990 2 роки тому +5

      @@clarkpagels5471 Wow. I had no idea, being from Queens myself. Do you per chance know what kind of wood??

    • @daos3300
      @daos3300 2 роки тому +25

      @@sagapoetic8990 stinkwood?

    • @IvySnowFillyVideos
      @IvySnowFillyVideos 2 роки тому +8

      Its new york I'm sure they recycle. Wooden salad bowl anyone?

    • @Alex-rx7lt
      @Alex-rx7lt 2 роки тому +1

      😂

  • @ScottCooperDeeDooper
    @ScottCooperDeeDooper 2 роки тому +2

    Steve at Woosh Drain in NY is a fkkn legend for sponsoring this.

  • @aaronwatson9928
    @aaronwatson9928 2 роки тому

    Such a great idea for a video. I never knew I wanted to know this until now.

  • @Frank-mm2yp
    @Frank-mm2yp 2 роки тому +290

    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 роки тому +40

      True indeed. It can be argued living a seemingly hunter gatherer life was and still is the best for human liberty.

    • @nokomarie1963
      @nokomarie1963 2 роки тому +12

      @@mauriceschaeffer5070 and decreased parasitical load!

    • @reeyees50
      @reeyees50 2 роки тому +52

      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 роки тому +15

      ​@@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 роки тому +41

      @@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

  • @moosegonemad9460
    @moosegonemad9460 2 роки тому +76

    Shout out to Steve in Queens. I hope he gets some business from this! It's a great video idea :D

    • @glennmcgee1729
      @glennmcgee1729 2 роки тому +11

      Steve is number one in the number two business.

    • @10z20
      @10z20 2 роки тому +1

      Such an unusual and charming sponsorship!

    • @meenam300zx
      @meenam300zx 2 роки тому +1

      You may not have an snake in your toilet but call Steve if you need to snake out your plugged toilet.

  • @MrJoeybabe25
    @MrJoeybabe25 Рік тому +1

    Great video. Liked and subscribed and thanks!

  • @mrmusiclover4178
    @mrmusiclover4178 2 роки тому

    Very well-done video. Thanks!

  • @gourdtube
    @gourdtube 2 роки тому +38

    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.

  • @Atlasbr001
    @Atlasbr001 2 роки тому +6

    5:30 so the 3 seashells from demolition man were actually a retro throwback lmao

  • @bodawei425
    @bodawei425 Рік тому

    Fantastic video, informative, a few anecdotes and funny! Thanks

  • @coerydouglas1924
    @coerydouglas1924 2 роки тому +2

    thank you for this glorious content!!!

  • @stevearchtoe7039
    @stevearchtoe7039 2 роки тому +37

    “He doesn’t know how to use the 3 seashells!”

    • @brettdziekonski1451
      @brettdziekonski1451 2 роки тому +4

      I was just about to put the same comment!!......Great minds think alike!

  • @AlfredSmallJohnson
    @AlfredSmallJohnson 2 роки тому +11

    3:30 imagine just writing on a wall that you had a good shit one day and archeologists 2000 years later discover it

  • @kaiw1182
    @kaiw1182 Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @dennisspqr
    @dennisspqr 2 роки тому

    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

  • @socalindi8241
    @socalindi8241 2 роки тому +258

    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 роки тому +24

      sorry to hear that mate!

    • @agirlisnoone5953
      @agirlisnoone5953 2 роки тому +27

      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 роки тому +87

      @@agirlisnoone5953 Really?! As a 7 year old kid seeing adult genitals was scary.

    • @agirlisnoone5953
      @agirlisnoone5953 2 роки тому +10

      @@socalindi8241 yeah, but not worse than the Romans.

    • @sergioperez2771
      @sergioperez2771 2 роки тому +48

      @@socalindi8241 Nice of "no one," who experienced neither circumstance, to tell you how bad you really didn't have it.

  • @michaelwayne7887
    @michaelwayne7887 2 роки тому +9

    "...gouts of flame roaring through the seats" Lol!

  • @surfcitiz
    @surfcitiz 2 роки тому +1

    Brilliant, both for advertising and informative value.

  • @g.g.1663
    @g.g.1663 9 місяців тому +4

    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.

  • @itsok2bwhiteendanti-whiteh548
    @itsok2bwhiteendanti-whiteh548 2 роки тому +12

    Imagine sitting next to a guy today on an open toilet latrine.
    You: Watching UA-cam
    Other Guy: “Hey… watcha (grunt followed by splash) watchin’?”

  • @hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156
    @hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 2 роки тому +6

    This the first time that I whole heartedly stand behind an advertisement in a youtube video. Very nice sponsorship idea.

  • @ABlackCountryWoman
    @ABlackCountryWoman Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @jasond6150
    @jasond6150 2 роки тому +1

    Interesting video, thanks for teaching me something!

  • @MrAwawe
    @MrAwawe 2 роки тому +5

    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.

  • @jerryulrich2637
    @jerryulrich2637 2 роки тому +9

    I usually skip over embedded ads but seeing one for a neighborhood specific small business is very charming.

  • @spectreman2532
    @spectreman2532 2 роки тому +2

    Living near a river those days was probably a blessing.

    • @michaelmullin7941
      @michaelmullin7941 Рік тому +1

      Unless you were downstream from the loo or from animals. When a Roman army camped, those in charge had to be careful to place animals and loos downstream from the soldiers and drinking water or an entire army could sicken in a hurry. One way to tell a good general from a bad one.

  • @2Sor2Fig
    @2Sor2Fig 3 місяці тому +2

    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.

  • @danesovic7585
    @danesovic7585 2 роки тому +3

    Imagine the banter in those public latrines.

  • @mitchellbarnow1709
    @mitchellbarnow1709 2 роки тому +39

    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 роки тому

      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!!

  • @georgebeard2337
    @georgebeard2337 4 місяці тому +1

    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!

  • @brianlee2646
    @brianlee2646 11 місяців тому +2

    I wish I could visit these ancient times and experience their way of life.

  • @romanchavez8758
    @romanchavez8758 2 роки тому +16

    Being woken up to a new toldinstone video is the best feeling in the world!

    • @jonatandec7083
      @jonatandec7083 2 роки тому

      It's 20:30 in my country, so I cannot share that pleasure

    • @N00B283
      @N00B283 2 роки тому +2

      @@jonatandec7083 hello fellow European👋🏽

    • @jonatandec7083
      @jonatandec7083 2 роки тому +2

      @@N00B283 ah i see you're a man of culture as well

    • @jeffb.140
      @jeffb.140 2 роки тому +2

      Just in time for a stiff drink!

    • @rb3872
      @rb3872 2 роки тому

      Still a virgin I see?! :P

  • @ickabod_crank
    @ickabod_crank 2 роки тому +230

    The smell of emptying of the chamber pot out the window is similar to the streets of San Francisco.

    • @SrGemmaRose
      @SrGemmaRose 2 роки тому +25

      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 роки тому +9

      same thing in Santa Monica i learned the hard way a month ago

    • @goodone5590
      @goodone5590 Рік тому +5

      You can use the waste to power Energy Powerplant!

    • @thelastboomer9088
      @thelastboomer9088 Рік тому +19

      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 Рік тому

      @@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.

  • @michaelzajic6231
    @michaelzajic6231 3 місяці тому +1

    What fun! Its all in the details.

  • @zepps88
    @zepps88 2 місяці тому +6

    Imagine the smell...

  • @cerberus6654
    @cerberus6654 2 роки тому +70

    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 роки тому +16

      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 роки тому +57

      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 роки тому +10

      @@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 роки тому +1

      @@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 роки тому +3

      "(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?

  • @Nandeadstudios
    @Nandeadstudios 2 роки тому +4

    I love the dry humour in this video.

  • @laurnborne3830
    @laurnborne3830 2 роки тому +1

    "Solon rubbed his belly to crap well" That's funny line

  • @francine8806
    @francine8806 Рік тому +1

    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.

  • @MrDowntemp0
    @MrDowntemp0 2 роки тому +11

    "The Sponge ... pressed into service..." Oh no.

  • @emilysimons6759
    @emilysimons6759 2 роки тому +48

    Speaking as someone who experiences bathroom anxiety, this video is fascinating. Ancient Romans were much braver than I would be in that situation!

    • @bahtois4741
      @bahtois4741 2 роки тому +3

      What is bathroom anxiety?

    • @greenfroggood2392
      @greenfroggood2392 2 роки тому +21

      @@bahtois4741 a luxury of the modern world

    • @bahtois4741
      @bahtois4741 2 роки тому

      @@greenfroggood2392 ahahha. Agreed. I'll subscribe to you because you made my day.

    • @21stcenturyozman20
      @21stcenturyozman20 2 роки тому +2

      *Emily Simons* - Why would you have 'bathroom anxiety'? Are you afraid of bathing?

    • @Jumpnjacksdaddy
      @Jumpnjacksdaddy 2 роки тому +1

      Just fart really loud and the anxiety disappears.

  • @abdulalhazred3027
    @abdulalhazred3027 Рік тому

    6:46 That gives new meaning to the song O Fortuna.

  • @Tbail
    @Tbail 2 роки тому +4

    Loved the video. Loved the local ad. Bought the book. What can I say? Job well done

  • @dsg148
    @dsg148 2 роки тому +42

    I couldn't imagine having to choose between the sponge 🤮 and pottery shards 🩸

    • @phoule76
      @phoule76 2 роки тому +1

      I imagine it was done in two stages.

    • @MrDowntemp0
      @MrDowntemp0 2 роки тому +15

      I'd use the 3 seashells

    • @reeyees50
      @reeyees50 2 роки тому +5

      you could use water, sorta like some people today will prefer to use bidets.

    • @Andrew-gn9qp
      @Andrew-gn9qp 2 роки тому +3

      @@reeyees50 Water is actually extremely hygienic for washing your derrières. Just make sure you wash your hands after, of course.

    • @lucas9269
      @lucas9269 2 роки тому +5

      I'd go with the water jug and then a napkin.

  • @spankflaps1365
    @spankflaps1365 2 роки тому +15

    It would be just my luck to get sat next to Bilious Maximus.

  • @abhishekdanej
    @abhishekdanej 2 роки тому

    Highly informative!

  • @noorjaved1184
    @noorjaved1184 Рік тому

    Very good informative video 👍🏿

  • @locutus1126
    @locutus1126 2 роки тому +298

    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 роки тому

      @David u r not far far far from the truth

    • @locutus1126
      @locutus1126 2 роки тому +8

      @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 роки тому +1

      if X-rebels get their way we'll be going back further than that to save the planet!

    • @myfighthere
      @myfighthere 2 роки тому +7

      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 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @mikew3194
    @mikew3194 2 роки тому +5

    "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

  • @sonichedgehog8723
    @sonichedgehog8723 2 роки тому +3

    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.

  • @killan001
    @killan001 Рік тому +1

    That is a great design to include the D slot in the front.

  • @DowntownPaco
    @DowntownPaco 2 роки тому +13

    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.

  • @gillion192
    @gillion192 2 роки тому +8

    6:46 how did he manage to say this without laughing, the imagery is absolutely hysterical

    • @jojojo6147
      @jojojo6147 2 роки тому +1

      That's the origin of the phrase "on the hot seat."

  • @peterlynchchannel
    @peterlynchchannel Рік тому +3

    "Clean your butt with the sponge Timulus!"
    "But all these guys just used it!"

  • @theyoodoo
    @theyoodoo 4 місяці тому +1

    I had to share this one.

  • @maplecote
    @maplecote 2 роки тому +14

    If I lived in Astoria - I'd only call Woosh for my pipes and drains.

    • @rickb3078
      @rickb3078 2 роки тому +2

      And octopuses 🐙

  • @kswonder28
    @kswonder28 2 роки тому +43

    “The sponge 🧽 on a stick 🍡 that served as the equivalent of toilet paper 🧻, is one of the more notorious ASSpects of daily life in Ancient Rome.” …classic... 😆 One of your best! Thank you.

    • @danielmconnolly7
      @danielmconnolly7 2 роки тому +6

      Gross...😒 🤢 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

    • @dsg148
      @dsg148 2 роки тому +3

      Deep fried Roman commode sponge on a stick, coming to a state fair near you.

    • @Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo
      @Herr_Flick_of_ze_Gestapo Рік тому

      its a totally fabricated and debunked myth tho.

  • @levoGAMES
    @levoGAMES 2 роки тому

    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.

  • @Wanddarey
    @Wanddarey 2 роки тому +6

    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*

  • @randyjax09
    @randyjax09 2 роки тому +21

    I remember seeing an example of this in the Spartacus series and was completely grossed out by the communal wiping sponge. 😖

  • @desertweasel6965
    @desertweasel6965 2 роки тому +6

    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.

  • @christopher1884john
    @christopher1884john Рік тому +2

    That's where we get the saying you got the wrong end of the stick. Makes sense 😂

  • @moriver3857
    @moriver3857 Рік тому +4

    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.

  • @Seabass-fg1zs
    @Seabass-fg1zs 2 роки тому +14

    Awesome ad, love to see the support for a true local & small business. Love the videos too, keep up the amazing work!

  • @vladimirpia148
    @vladimirpia148 2 роки тому +4

    Can you imagine the conversation going around in one of these places

    • @darthrevan1281
      @darthrevan1281 2 роки тому +1

      Just non stop poop and fart jokes I imagine.

  • @gvbalajee
    @gvbalajee 2 роки тому +1

    Best information explanation

  • @VS-vv6pq
    @VS-vv6pq Рік тому

    That gap for grotch in the seat is pretty good actually.