Latrinae et Foricae Toilets in the Roman World

What did the Romans have that the modern world did not achieve again till the seventeenth century? Toilets. This book is shows the degree of sophistication the Romans reached in providing for this unavoidable side of human existence. The Romans are renowned for their aqueducts, baths and water systems, achievements equalled in the modern world only over the past few hundred years. Their toilets, both single (latrinae) and multi-seater (foricae) form part of the Roman sanitation system that continues to fascinate the modern visitor to ancient sites today. In this concise, well illustrated overview, Barry Hobson describes toilets in the Roman empire from what is now Turkey to Hadrian's Wall, with particular emphasis on Pompeii, and encompassing discussions of privacy, sewage, rubbish disposal, health issues and graffiti.

Barry Hobson was a GP until his retirement in 1997 following which he undertook a degree in Archaeology at the University of Bradford and then a Research Masters degree. He has spent twelve seasons working at Pompeii and has travelled extensively looking for evidence of Roman toilets. He lives in Holmfirth, Yorkshire.