2,700-Year-Old Jerusalem Toilet Reserved For Rich Had Possible Air Fresheners
Image via Yuli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare ancient toilet that could be over 2,700 years old in Jerusalem, Israel.
Back then, toilets were a luxury, especially this one—made of carved limestone in a cabin, and believed to be part of a huge mansion at the time. According to AP News, the facility was even designed for comfort, with a deep septic tank underneath it.
Image via Yuli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority
“A private toilet cubicle was very rare in antiquity, and only a few were found to date. Only the rich could afford toilets,” said the director of the excavation, Yaakov Billig.
Aside from the toilet itself, the animal bones and pottery pieces found in the tank could allow scientists further insight into the diet of people back then. It could also shed light on their lifestyles or diseases going around during that period.
While the 30 to 40 bowls uncovered at the area didn’t indicate much, Billig pondered at the possibility of them containing aromatics or incense to mask stenches from the luxury facility.
Other discoveries in the area included stone capitals and columns from the same time period, along with evidence of a garden nearby, leading researchers to conclude that the home indeed belonged to a wealthy family.
Image via Yuli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority
[via AP News, images via Yuli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority]
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