An ancient theater toilet found in western Turkey’s Smyrna

This communal toilet dates from the second century C.E.

Excavations in a historic theater in the old city of Smyrna, located within the borders of the western city of İzmir, have revealed a historical latrine, or an even simpler structure used as a toilet within a sanitation system, which is supposed to have been employed by artists that used the theater itself. According to Akın Ersoy, an archaeologist at İzmir’s Katip Çelebi University and the excavation team’s leader, the theater and commode date back to around the second century B.C. and were used until the fifth century A.D. (for around 300 years).

This is the first time a toilet facility has been discovered inside a stage building.

It’s around 40 centimeters (16 inches) high, has a U-shape seating arrangement, and could accommodate 12–13 people at a time. Next to it is a U-shaped trough 8–10 cm (3–4 in) deep for clean water.

According to Ersoy, scientists believe the toilet, which was located in a secluded space, was “used by actors working in the stage building and performing in the theater”, rather than by audience members, which could reach around 20,000 people. Since the toilet space was used by a large number of people, this encouraged socialization. People using the toilet would have washed with the help of a sponge attached to a stick and the continually flowing clean water.

Such a find in theaters in the Mediterranean region is unprecedented, he added.

In 2015, Ann O. Koloski-Ostrow, an archaeologist at Brandeis University, wrote that communal toilets were popular in ancient Roman society but while public latrines were usually connected to a city’s main sewer pipes, private latrines had to be emptied on a regular basis. In addition, people using these public restrooms had to be aware of rats and potential explosions produced by hydrogen sulfide and methane accumulation.

Over the years, the old city, which was founded between Kadifekale and İzmir Bay, has attracted visitors and travelers from all cultures. With its basilica, historic murals, and well-protected buildings, Smyrna provides wonderful historical perspectives.

Since 2012, archaeologists have been excavating the Smyrna theater. According to Ersoy, the site, which was positioned on a rocky hill overlooking the ancient city, featured plays, religious rituals, and social activities. The theater was then abandoned as Christianity’s growing authority led to the abandonment of “pagan” amusement.

Source dailysabah.com