Toilet seats of the ancient world

An ancient Roman toilet seat has been discovered along Hadrian's Wall. Just to prove a good design lasts forever...


I found this courtesy of a BBC article.


10 comments:

Stephanie Bittner said...

Looks a little narrow for our modern butts. But otherwise, a winning strategy. Did the article report on how comfortable it is?

Gary Corby said...

Hi Stephanie! People were a little bit smaller back then.

They'd have to build a replica to test it, but it's so close to the modern shape that I doubt anyone would bother.

DLM said...

Also, since it's broken and shifted, we may not be seeing it properly. Too, without a scale in the image, we don't actually know exactly how wide it is!

Scales: http://archaeolygy.blogspot.com/2014/06/field-gear-diy-photo-scales.html
:)

Susan ex USyd said...

I think there is a scale - the red and white pole. Interesting to see they marked where each leg would go.

Gary Corby said...

Hi Susan, welcome to the blog.

Yes, I think you're right.

I suspect from your blogger name that we have the same alma mater.

Susan ex USyd said...

That's right, Gary. Remember the lunches at Wentworth? Am a great fan of historical fiction and have just discovered your books. I think they're great!

Gary Corby said...

I do indeed remember the lunches at Wentworth.

Hold on...are you one of the Susans that I knew at uni? (!)

Susan ex USyd said...

Yes. - and I was studying history and wanted to write novels but am now a tax accountant - and you were an IT person but are now a writer of historical fiction. I must say your work is extremely well researched and the way you interweave fact with your storyline is the best way I've ever read!

Gary Corby said...

Aha! Hi Susan. Now this is an odd way to reconnect with an old uni friend. I haven't seen Gran or Scott in years.

Well I'm glad you like the books. Yes, it's a bit of a career change for both of us. Somehow I have a feeling tax is the steadier job.

Susan ex USyd said...

It has it's ups and downs. I entered a novella in a book competition last year and was a runner up but that's the most I've achieved. I've seen your books in Hornsby library as well as your home base so I daresay you're not doing too badly. All the best to H... I'm not sure how much of your family life you want mentioned on this site.
Regards.