Quick Overview
The Latrine in Ephesus is a fascinating example of ancient Roman public toilets. Located close to the Library of Celsus and the Baths of Scholastica, this shared restroom, built in the 1st century AD (took its final form in the 4th century A.D.), gives us a clear look into the everyday life of the Ephesians. It was part of a larger bathing complex, showing how much the Romans valued cleanliness and socializing. With its well-planned design, including a drainage system and marble benches, it reveals the advanced engineering and community-focused lifestyle that shaped everyday life in Ephesus.
🎙️ View from the Guide
Out of all temples, libraries, and theaters we visit during our private Ephesus tours, the Roman Latrines always get the most laughs and questions from our guests! It’s truly fascinating to see modern visitors react to the idea of Romans sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, chatting about politics and business without any privacy.
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Video – Latrines in Ephesus
Given that the Ancient Romans built up their civilization roughly 1000 years after the ancient Greeks, it makes sense that they borrowed some techniques on the toilet as well. The technique associated with building a toilet was actually quite simple. Long benches with holes were placed above the channels of flowing water.
Social Aspect of Roman Latrines
As interesting as it may sound, public latrines were one of the places where Romans socialized. So there was no separator between the single-occupant toilet seat in the latrines, which means they were sitting side by side without any separator while doing their business.
Cleaning Process
So how did they clean their behinds when they finished their business? Clean water was constantly flowing through the channel in front of where they were sitting. They would clean their behinds with a sea sponge attached to a stick by dipping it in clean, flowing water. Also, latrines were not free of charge. You had to pay an entrance fee.
🧽 Fascinating Fact: The “Tersorium”
Romans didn’t have toilet paper. Instead, they used a shared tool called a Tersorium (or xylospongium)—a sea sponge attached to a wooden stick. After using it, they would rinse it in the clean, flowing water channel at their feet and leave it in a bucket of vinegar or salt water for the next person!
Latrine in Ephesus
On the west side of the Scholastica Baths, there is a narrow street with a vaulted covering. The door of the Latrina, which was the public toilet of the city, opens onto this street. In the center of the structure, there is a square pool, and a row of stone toilet bowls are located on the sides. In front of the stone toilets, there is a water channel, and the floor of the latrine is covered with mosaic. The pool is not covered, but it is enclosed by walls. The four columns at the pool’s corners support Latrina’s roof.
Connection to the Scholastica Baths
Latrine in Ephesus, built in the first century A.D., was part of the Scholastica Baths complex. During the Roman period, the population of Ephesus was about 250.000. So latrines were ideal for Roman people, as not everyone had a toilet at home. There was a fountain in the middle of the latrine in Ephesus, and the top of the latrine was covered with a wooden roof. It also had a capacity of 48 people.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, toilet paper did not exist in ancient Rome. Instead, they used a “tersorium,” which was a natural sea sponge attached to a stick, rinsed in running water and a bucket of vinegar after each use.
Historians debate this, but evidence suggests that large public latrines like the one in Ephesus were primarily used by men, especially since they were attached to the Scholastica Baths. Women likely used separate facilities or chamber pots at home.
Yes. Using the public latrine was not free; visitors had to pay a small entrance fee, making it a facility mostly used by the wealthier citizens and merchants of the city.
The public latrine in Ephesus had a capacity of 48 people, seating them side-by-side along the marble benches lining the walls.
Discover the Daily Life of Ancient Romans 🏛️
From grand temples to the public latrines, exploring Ephesus with an expert local guide brings the ancient city back to life. Join my Private Ephesus Tours for an unforgettable, crowd-free experience.
