Recently, archaeologists discovered a private toilet that was 2,700 years old in the remains of an ancient Jerusalem royal estate. This is a rare find as thousands of years ago, pooping in toilets was an exclusive luxury for the wealthy.
In a YouTube video, Yaakov Billig, an archaeologist who was also the director of excavations for the Israel Antiquities Authority said that private bathrooms had been found in "only a few places in Israel and Jerusalem" before.
"This is a rare find, as it is something only the wealthy could have."
Billig said that the toilet was made of limestone and has a comfortable seat and a hole in its middle.
The toilet was located above the septic tank and was found in a rectangular cabin which would have been used as an ancient bathroom.
Similar: In photos: Virtual-reality app allows you to experience ancient Jerusalem's glory
Billig said that the bathroom contained between 30 and 40 bowls. Billig suggested that the bowls could have been used as air fresheners, such as oil or incense.
Archaeologists took samples of pottery and bones from animals, and soil from the septic tank below to find out more about their time.
The archaeologists found ornamented stones within the settlement that could be used for different purposes, such as stone capitals. These are small, detailed pieces of stone that make up the tops or frames of columns, window frames, and railings. Billig and his team found evidence of a garden with ornamental, fruit, and aquatic plants near the toilet.
According to the statement, all of these relics aid the researchers in recreating the image of an "extensive" and "luxurious mansion. Two years ago, archaeologists discovered the remains on Jerusalem's Armon Hanatziv promenade. Excavations are ongoing.
Billig stated in the video that it was "probably a palace for one of the Judean Kingdom kings".
It isn't the first instance archaeologists are interested in ancient bathroom habits.
Some clues are found in the archaeological record about what our ancestors used for toilet paper thousands of year ago, before Scott and Cottenelles lined Target shelves.
Live Science reported that ancient people used a variety of methods to wipe their bums.
Similar Content:
Photos: Evidence of an ancient Roman battle discovered in Jerusalem
Photos: An ancient citadel discovered in Jerusalem
Photos: Roadside dig reveals 10,000-year-old house in Israel
Live Science originally published this article. You can read the original article here.
