Chapter 1: The Need for Toilet Paper

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our reliance on toilet paper, leading many to stockpile it as a source of comfort and security. However, toilet paper is a relatively recent innovation, first introduced to the United States by Joseph Gayetty in 1857. Each sheet was infused with aloe, marketed as a remedy for hemorrhoids. This advancement marked a significant shift away from older methods, such as using corn cobs or snow, as society progressed in hygiene practices.

Unlike contemporary societies, the ancient Romans—who laid the groundwork for Western civilization—had a rather unconventional method for cleanliness. It wasn't until the 18th century that the specific materials they used for wiping became clear.

Chapter 2: The Roman Sanitation System

In AD 79, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, burying them under thick ash. It took nearly 1,500 years for these settlements to be uncovered, revealing that the Romans were pioneers of public sanitation.

Every household had its own toilet, but these were often not linked to the sewer system—a Roman invention—due to fears of rats infiltrating homes. Additionally, concerns about gas fires from public sewage systems led many to keep their waste contained.

Public baths, adorned with marble and frescos, were quite luxurious by contemporary standards, despite the occasional unpleasantness.

Chapter 3: The Tersorium

Within these public restrooms, a continuous stream of water would carry waste away. Among the seats lay a tersorium—a sponge attached to a stick used for wiping. This implement was shared among users; after use, it was rinsed and left for the next person.

There were several methods for cleaning the tersorium, including rinsing it in running water, soaking it in saltwater, or dipping it in vinegar, a natural disinfectant. The philosopher Seneca provided insight into this practice in his letters, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding its use.

Chapter 4: Other Wiping Materials

The tersorium was not unique to the Romans; the Chinese had their own version, using bamboo wrapped in cloth, eventually transitioning to paper in the 6th century. Meanwhile, the Romans continued with their sponge method.

Another alternative was the pessoi—ceramic discs used for cleaning. These rough, oval-shaped objects were often crafted from broken pottery and were discovered in archaeological sites in England. The Greeks also employed similar items, known as ostraka, which were used for voting and later repurposed for hygiene.

Chapter 5: The Role of Urine in Roman Hygiene

In ancient Rome, urination was a common, casual act. People would collect their urine in pots and deposit it in larger containers in the streets. Weekly, collectors would gather these jars to take them to laundries, utilizing the ammonia-rich liquid as a natural detergent.

This practice of using urine for laundry and the shared use of tersoria persisted for centuries, long before the advent of toilet paper.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Hygiene

What seems peculiar today was once commonplace. Just as we may look back in horror at certain practices, future generations might find our reliance on toilet paper equally bizarre. The shift towards eco-friendly and sustainable practices could lead to a resurgence of ancient methods, emphasizing resourcefulness in hygiene.

If you found this exploration intriguing, consider following my publication, Fragments of History, for more insights into the past.