Bathhouses also had large public restrooms, often with marble seats over channels whose continuous flow of water constituted the first “flush toilets.” Unlike this modern tourist, the ancient Roman would just have to lift his tunic and sit on the latrine looking dignified. Note that there were no partitions or cubicles for privacy. Nor was there any toilet paper. However, a shallow water channel in front of the seats was furnished with sponges attached to sticks for patrons to wipe themselves.
