Israeli archaeologists find rare 2,700-year-old toilet in Jerusalem
[October 5, 2021: The Brighter Side of News]
In this photo provided by Israel Antiquities Authority shows a rare ancient toilet in Jerusalem dating back more than 2,700 years Jerusalem, when private bathrooms were a luxury in the holy city. (CREDIT: Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority)
An Israeli archaeological dig in Jerusalem uncovered an ancient toilet dating back over 2,700 years, at a time when private bathrooms were considered a luxury in the holy city.
The Israeli Antiquities Authority said the smooth, carved limestone toilet was found in the foundations of a rectangular cabin that once sat on top of what is now the Old City. The toilet was designed for comfortable sitting, draining into a deep septic tank underneath.
"A private toilet cubicle was very rare in antiquity, and only a few were found to date," said Yaakov Billig, the director of the excavation.
"Only the rich could afford toilets," he said, adding that a famed rabbi once suggested that to be wealthy is "to have a toilet next to his table."
Animal bones and pottery found in the septic tank could shed light on the lifestyle and diet of people living at that time, as well as ancient diseases, the antiquities authority said.
The archaeologists found stone capitals and columns from the era, and said there was evidence of a nearby garden with orchards and aquatic plants—more evidence that those living there were quite wealthy.
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Tags: #New_Discoveries, #Archeology, #Toilet, #Ancient_Find, #Science, #Jerusalem, #Research, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News
