ROMAN SANITATION

Recently, there has been a bit of interest expressed by others who have visited this site about Roman sanitation--such as the "sponge on a stick" (that is Roman toilet paper).  Below is a picture of the sponge on a stick that was issued to this soldier last year, as well as a sketch of a Roman latrine.  This latrine would have water constantly running down below, and water running in a gutter at your feet to moisten your sponge on a stick, and then to wash it off after use.

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The tag attached to the stick says                                                           Remember, water would flow in the
"Inspectum et periclum numero decem                                                   gutter at your feet, and under you.
Flavius Licinius", a well known sponge
inspector