Israeli archeologists have discovered a rudimentary private toilet in Jerusalem believed to come from the seventh century B.C.E., a relatively rare find. Thirty to 40 bowls were found inside the 5 foot x 6.5 foot bathroom. An article about the discovery on SmithsonianMag.com speculated that “the vessels may have held aromatic oils or incense — early air fresheners for those making use of the facility.”
Quote: “A private toilet cubicle was very rare in antiquity, and to date, only a few have been found, mostly in the City of David,” says Yaakov Billig, who directed the dig for the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), in a statement. “Only the rich could afford toilets. In fact, a thousand years later, the Mishnah and the Talmud discuss the various criteria that define a rich person, and Rabbi Yossi [suggests that] ‘to be rich is [to have] a toilet near his table.’”
Sources: SmithsonianMag.com (introduction and quotation)
Read “2,700-Year-Old Private Toilet Found in Jerusalem” ►
Watch “Israeli Archaeologists Discover Ancient ‘Luxury’ Toilet In Jerusalem Palace ” [9:17]. ►
Read “The secret history of ancient toilets” ►
Photo: The Indian Express
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