Part 2: The Long and Messy Story of the Toilet

Last time, we explored the earliest forms of waste disposal, from prehistoric open-air bathroom breaks to ancient Rome's relatively advanced sewer systems. But after the fall of Rome, things took a turn for the worse. As indoor plumbing vanished and public sanitation collapsed, humanity entered the Dark Ages of going to the bathroom.Buckle up, friends, because Part 2 is all about chamber pots, medieval moats full of poop, Victorian cholera outbreaks, and the invention of the modern flush toilet. If you thought Roman communal sponges were bad, just wait until you hear about what came next. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anthropoopologist.substack.com/subscribe