forica (Q23799)
From CanonBase
(Latin; pl. foricae: a public privy): Multi-seat Roman toilet found in public areas. Private, single seat toilet was known as a latrina, pl. latr
| Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | forica | (Latin; pl. foricae: a public privy): Multi-seat Roman toilet found in public areas. Private, single seat toilet was known as a latrina, pl. latr |
Statements
forica (English)
Latin pl. foricae a public privy Multi-seat Roman toilet found in public areas. Private single seat toilet was known as a latrina pl. latrinae hence our word latrine. Early Roman foricae were little more than a wooden plank over a trench. Stone foricae were constructed over a sewer system and flushed with running water. The Romans cleaned themselves with a sea sponge on a stick tersorium or xylospongium. The shared tersorium was rinsed in a bucket of water with vinegar or salt. More discerning visitors brought their own sponge. Although forica and latrina refer to different types of Roman toilets the word latrinae and its modern equivalent latrine have evolved to refer to any large public bathroom."" (English)
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