Were Roman Toilets Unisex or Gender-Segregated?

For many modern readers, the question of whether Roman toilets were unisex or gender-segregated can evoke a mix of curiosity and intrigue. While extensive historical evidence may not exist, we can piece together a coherent picture from the available artifacts and records. The answer to this question remains somewhat elusive but offers interesting insights into the social norms and practices of ancient Rome.

The Lack of Contemporary Evidence

The earliest known record of a fully gender-segregated public toilet setup dates back to 1739 in Paris, during the Earlier Rococo period. Prior to this, there is no documented evidence suggesting that Roman toilets were anything but unisex. This absence of evidence is pronounced, indicating that either Roman public toilets did indeed serve both genders or that the practice, if it existed, was not considered noteworthy enough to warrant documentation.

Speculation and Hypotheses

While no concrete evidence exists, several theories and observations can be made based on archaeological findings and historical context. It is likely that Roman public toilets may have incorporated some form of gender-specific dividers, such as wooden or cloth partitions, to provide a degree of privacy. However, these were not common in all public areas and likely varied in implementation. Contemporary art and literature from ancient Rome do not specifically mention the gender segregation of public toilets, suggesting that the matter was not considered a notable or significant cultural practice.

Public Facilities and Semigendered Use

Most public facilities in ancient Rome, including toilets, were designed with mixed-use in mind. This was reflective of the societal norms of the time, where public spaces were shared by all genders. At the famous Colosseum, for example, upper-tier visitors often used channels near the walls for urination, rather than communal toilets. Similarly, the public baths (thermae) had close-set toilet seats without separate facilities for men and women. However, there were bathrooms and bathing areas specifically designated for women, providing a degree of separation for those women who chose to use them.

Roman Society and Privacy

It is important to understand the cultural context of Roman society, where bodily functions and other aspects of life were far less private than in modern times. The Romans embraced communal living and shared spaces, with acts such as bathing and using the toilet being done in public without much shame. The design of the toilet seats and the overall layout of ancient public toilets often provided a level of modesty through the draping of togas, which were tied modestly around the waist rather than being fully pulled down.

Evolution of Public Toilets and Bathing Practices

Throughout history, human societies have developed and evolved the use of unisex facilities. Early public toilets and baths were shared spaces, with gender-segregation being a later development. In ancient Rome, while there were some gender-specific facilities for women, the primary public toilets and baths were used by both genders simultaneously. This practice was not unique to Rome but can be seen in various ancient civilizations.

In conclusion, while the exact nature of Roman public toilets and whether they were unisex or gender-segregated remains uncertain, the prevailing evidence suggests that they were indeed used by both genders. This practice reflects the more communal nature of ancient Roman society, where public activities were shared by all members of the community without the modern sense of individual privacy.