The Latrina (Public Lavatory)

 

     In Ephesus every need was considered; a latrina (a public lavatory) was built at the corner of Kuretes Street and the Academy Path, facing the baths of Varius. On three sides of the open peristyle court are U- shaped marble seats with holes (toilet seats). A deep sewage pipe was located under the seats allowing fort he fast sterilization of the toilet drains and the rapid removal of bad smells. The clean water passing through the channels in front of the toilets seats gave the people the means to clean themselves up. Rain water was also passed from the channels beneath the Latrina in the connected pipes. In this place people lifted the togas they wore and could use the facilities in a group at the same time. The floor was paved with mosaic around the pool in the middle.,