Authorities in Israel announced Tuesday that archaeologists discovered a rare, ancient toilet in Jerusalem. It dates back to more than 2,700 years ago, when private bathrooms were considered a luxury in Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli Antiquities Authority, the smooth, carved limestone toilet was located in a rectangular cabin which was part of an extensive mansion that overlooked the Old City. It is designed to be comfortable and has a deep septic tank underneath.
Yaakov Billig was the director of excavation. He stated that a private toilet cubicle is very rare in antiquity and that only a handful were ever found.
He said that only the wealthy could afford to use toilets, and that a famous rabbi once suggested that being wealthy was to have a bathroom next to your table.
The antiquities authority stated that pottery and bones from animals found in the septic tanks could provide insight into the diet and lifestyle of those who lived at the time.
Archaeologists discovered stone capitals and columns dating from that era and claimed there was evidence of an adjacent garden with orchards, aquatic plants and other evidence. This further evidence suggests that the people who lived there were very wealthy.
