JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli archaeologists have found a rare ancient toilet in Jerusalem dating back more than 2,700 years, when private bathrooms were a luxury in the holy city, authorities said Tuesday.
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The Israeli Antiquities Authority said the smooth, carved limestone toilet was found in a rectangular cabin that was part of a sprawling mansion overlooking what is now the Old City. It was designed for comfortable sitting, with a deep septic tank dug 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.
I wish, that instead of Toilets and Pottery, they would find something that has to do with our Jewish Rellgion and Torah. Then we could have absolute proof that our religion was not just invented during Bayis Sheini.
The enigma is that there is hardly any mention of Kiyum Mitzvohs in the thousands of episodes in Tenaach.
No mention of pre-cut toilet paper?
Actually, I found the article interesting. Maybe you don’t recall a recent daf yomi describing in Beya the concept of ohel over two barrels.The gemara then suggests the possibility of an ohel in ancient bathrooms made of stone. So nice to see the concept vividly. It would have been a pleasure sharing this with you Yosef.