30 January 2026
What Did a Toilet Look Like in Ancient Rome 2,000 Years Ago?
When we talk about toilets, we rarely associate them with art, engineering, and… chariots. Yet one of the most fascinating archaeological objects connected to hygiene in Ancient Rome is...
What Is This Artifact?
- relief-carved wheels on both sides,
- a central opening shaped like an elongated horseshoe,
- a massive backrest carved from a single block of stone.
What Was the Central Opening Used For?
For a long time, scholars believed that this object was not simply a toilet, but a so‑called sedea balnearis – a bathing chair. According to early interpretations, the central opening served either:
- to release steam, or
- as a channel for water poured over the bather by a slave.
This theory survived until the early 20th century, when researchers began to interpret the object also as part of the sanitary infrastructure of Roman baths.
The First “Wheelchairs”?
One of the most striking features is the carved wheels on both sides of the seat. They resemble wooden chairs on wheels that were used in Ancient Rome by people with physical disabilities. This suggests that even 2,000 years ago, the Romans were thinking about comfort, accessibility, and practical design in public baths and toilets.
What Were Roman Public Toilets Like?
Influenced by Greek practices, the Romans created the first true public toilets.
They usually consisted of:
- long stone benches with openings,
- channels of running water underneath,
- and no partitions between users.
The toilet was also a social space – people talked, shared news, and even discussed politics while using it.
What Did They Use Instead of Toilet Paper?
In Ancient Rome, toilet paper did not exist. Instead, people used an object called a tersorium – a sponge attached to a stick. It was rinsed in water, or in salt water mixed with vinegar. Poorer citizens often used small stones as an alternative.
How Was This Artifact Discovered?
The marble seat was found in a part of the Antonine Baths (today known as the Baths of Caracalla), which later belonged to the Jesuits. In 1805, it was discovered by the British collector Charles Townley and brought to England by Lyde Brown. Interestingly, this object is not mentioned in the correspondence about the other acquired artifacts and was most likely purchased separately.
What Does This Ancient Toilet Tell Us?
This artifact is a powerful example of Roman engineering skill, their understanding of hygiene, and their effort to improve everyday life. The Roman system of public toilets laid the foundations of modern sanitation and proves that care for cleanliness is not a modern invention, but a legacy of antiquity.
From Antiquity to Today
From a marble seat shaped like a chariot to modern mobile and vacuum toilets, the history of sanitary solutions shows one clear idea: when it comes to comfort and hygiene, humanity has always searched for better and smarter solutions. Today, we simply continue this tradition with modern technologies, sustainable systems, and care for people.
Did You Know?
There is a World Toilet Day! Initiated by the United Nations, it is observed on 19 November to remind us how important cleanliness and proper sanitation are for human health.
The reason is serious – 3.4 billion people worldwide still do not have access to safely managed sanitation services, which is almost half of the world’s population.
Artifact source: British Museum
Frequently Asked Questions
What did toilets look like in Ancient Rome?
They were stone benches with openings and channels of running water underneath.
What did Romans use instead of toilet paper?
A sponge on a stick called a tersorium.
Where was the marble toilet‑chariot discovered?
In the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.
Were there partitions between users?
No, Roman toilets were communal and had no partitions.
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