The Throne Chronicles: From Ancient Latrines to Smart Toilets
- Marcin Włodarczyk
- Jul 25, 2025
- 12 min read
Did you know ancient Egyptians did their bussiness into sand like the cats they worshipped? Ancient Romans shared a "cleaning stick" in their collective latrines, can you believe it?! Did you know that after the fall of their empire, sanitation regressed and led to major death events before first networks of sewers were finally put in place? Have you ever wondered what happens to your waste on a plane? Is tipping over a porta-potty illegal? Where did "going number one and two" come from? Why are Japanese toliets singing to you? Today, I will try to answer these interesting questions regarding our porcelain thrones.
When you think of modern conveniences, toilets probably do not top your list of marvels. But if we zoom out and look at history, the humble toilet is one of the most transformative inventions in human civilization. Not only did it drastically improve hygiene and public health, but it also played a pivotal role in urban planning and technological advancement.
As a professional cleaning company, we at DaisyFresh understand how crucial sanitation is. That is why I am going to take you on a swirling journey through time, where we dive deep and plunge(r) right into the evolution of toilets, so we can all learn a thing or two and aprreciate how good we actually have it today.
LOOK AT ALL THESE TOILETS
I decided it would be a good idea to start with a table of all different types of toilets. Once I have had it all compiled, it turned out to be A LOT. A lot of historic progress and a lot of designs fit for all kinds of purposes, so let's divide it into few sections. I will give you a short rundown first and then talk about the parts that interest me the most, where I give answer to questions from the opening paragraph of this post. Also, while we are here: tipping over a porta-potty, like those in the picture above, will probably result in charges like: vandalism, disorderly conduct, public nuisance and assault if someone is inside. It's also a biohazard risk and super dangerous. Definitely not a prank to try.
HISTORY RECAP
Toilet Type | Description |
Ancient Toilets (e.g., Mohenjo-Daro, 2500 BCE) | Stone or clay drainage systems in early civilizations like the Indus Valley. |
Roman Latrines (c. 100 BCE–500 CE) | Communal toilets with flowing water underneath; early public sanitation. |
Chamber Pots (Medieval Europe) | Portable ceramic or metal bowls used indoors before plumbing. |
Privy / Outdoor Pit Toilets (Pre-1800s) | Small outhouses built over pits; widely used before indoor plumbing. |
Flush Toilet (c. 1596 invention) | Invented by Sir John Harington; an early form of the water closet. |
Victorian Water Closet (1800s) | Improved flush mechanism with porcelain bowls and cisterns; widely adopted. |
Modern Toilets (1900s–Present) | Mass-produced ceramic units with efficient flushing and sewage systems. |
Japanese Toilets (Late 1900s–Now) | Advanced toilets with bidets, heated seats, sensors, and automated functions. |
Indus Valley Ingenuity (~2500 BCE)
One of the earliest known examples of toilets comes from the Indus Valley Civilization in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were not just marvels of architecture but they were also ahead of their time in sanitation.
Homes were equipped with early toilets made of brick and connected to covered drains that ran along the streets. Waste was funneled into soak pits or cesspools. Remarkably, these ancient people valued cleanliness in a way that foreshadowed modern plumbing. Even then, a system of waste removal was essential to maintaining a clean environment. Something we still emphasize in our services today.
Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia
In ancient Egypt, the wealthier classes used limestone toilet seats placed over sand-filled containers. In poorer households, the toilet was simply a stool made of wood with a small hole dug into it. Regardless, all toilets had a small container that sat beneath the seat. The container was filled with sand and would regularly be emptied. Wealthier people had servants to manually empty the containers, while lower classes emptied it themselves.
It sounds a lot like a cat's litterbox, doesn't it? One could suggest that maybe cats do it this way because they were domesticated in Egypt around deserts 10 million years ago, however, they have been using soft ground ever since they came to be which is roughly 30 milions years ago. Cats have this instinctive need to cover their waste to minimize detection by predators. Egyptians took advantage of that and encouraged cats to stay closer to home by providing for their needs and that included waste management where they could safely use it and cover it too.
My cats do not pay rent and I do have to empty their litter for them - they must be very wealthy.
Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, public toilets were common, often communal, and flushed by running water systems unlike Egyptians that had no easy access to water. The Romans took things further. In cities like Pompeii, public latrines featured rows of stone seats over flowing water channels.
Patrons even used shared sponge sticks (called xylospongium) for cleaning. And this was sanitary by their ancient standards! They definitely would not pass modern health inspections!
Romans also constructed the Cloaca Maxima, one of the world’s earliest sewer systems. Their innovations influenced sanitation for centuries.
While we have ve moved past the communal sponge, the idea of public cleanliness is alive and well. Our team frequently cleans shared restrooms in offices, schools, and public buildings - modern-day equivalents of Roman bathhouses.
Medieval Times
So, I mentioned that sanitation and public health had regressed in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. Toilets became rudimentary. Most people used chamber pots, emptying them into the streets or designated cesspits. Hygiene was low, and disease was high.
In castles, the rich used garderobes—basically holes in the wall that dropped waste into moats or pits. But why? What exactly lead to this regression?
The Roman government had maintained infrastructure like aqueducts and sewers. When the empire fell, there was no one left to maintain or repair these systems. After the collapse, much of the knowledge about sanitation, water management and rudimentary disease control was lost or forgotten in Western Europe because of the decline in eduction, destruction of libraries and focus on surival rather than scholarship. The Roman economy had supported skilled labor and trade networks that brought medical supplies and knowledge. Post-collapse, widespread poverty and ruralization meant fewer resources for public health infrastructure. Continuous invasions by Germanic tribes, Huns, Vikings, etc. led to destruction of cities, abandonment of urban centers and increased disease spread due to displaced populations. As cities decayed, people moved to small, scattered villages. We cannot forget religious and cultural shifts in which early medieval societies often emphasized spiritual over scientific explanations for disease and the Church sometimes discouraged practices like bathing, associated with Roman "pagan" customs. I think that is plenty of explanation why it all went back to cesspits.
Meanwhile, in parts of the Islamic world, significant progress continued. Engineers built flushing toilets and complex bathhouses, complete with running water and sewage management. Cleanliness was both a cultural and religious priority.
The idea that cleanliness is next to godliness was not just a saying, it was a foundation for healthier societies. Today, our deep cleaning services ensure modern households and businesses stay sanitary and safe.
Renaissance and Enlightenment
Queen Elizabeth I’s godson, Sir John Harington, invented a flushing toilet with a water tank system. Though it did not catch on widely at the time, it planted the seed for future innovations. In Europe, chamber pots remained the norm. We just could not think of anything better, could we? Waste disposal was still primitive, and outbreaks of disease were rampant. Cities smelled terrible, and unsanitary conditions led to cholera, typhoid, and the infamous Black Death.
The link between poor sanitation and disease became impossible to ignore, just like how unclean restrooms today can spread illness in office and retail environments. Our disinfection services help break that chain.
Industrial Revolution
With urban populations exploding, cities like London faced a crisis. Human waste overwhelmed the limited infrastructure. The infamous “Great Stink” of 1858 made the Thames smell so foul that Parliament had to shut its doors. This triggered major changes. Civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette designed an extensive underground sewer system that dramatically improved public health. Meanwhile, innovations in plumbing made flushing toilets more practical. Thomas Crapper, though not the inventor, was a key figure in popularizing them through quality manufacturing and smart marketing. Yes, that is where the English synonym for toilet came from!
Sanitation infrastructure began to include regular cleaning and maintenance and those are the values we uphold today. A great system only works if it is kept clean.
20th Century: Modern Toilets
By the early 20th century, flush toilets finally became standard in developed countries. Porcelain bowls, water tanks, and standardized plumbing systems meant cleaner homes and businesses. Indoor toilets eliminated the need for outhouses, improving comfort and hygiene. Septic tanks became the solution for rural areas, while urban centers expanded sewer systems. The mass production of toilet paper began in the 1800s but truly took off in the 20th century. Before that, people used everything from leaves to newspaper! I myself remember using scrunched up newspaper pages in the outhouse my family had on their property when I was young!
As toilet use spread, so did the need for routine bathroom cleaning. Germs, mold, and grime can build up quickly, which is why our cleaning services always prioritize bathroom sanitation.
21st Century: Smart Toilets
Japan leads the charge with high-tech toilets featuring:
Heated seats
Bidet functions
Self-cleaning features
Odor elimination
Automatic lids
Music and ambient lighting
In other place in the world, touchless flushing, UV sanitization, and mobile app integration are becoming popular in luxury and commercial settings. Dual-flush systems are introduced to reduce water use, waterless urinals show up in eco-conscious commercial buildings and composting toilets are making rounds in the circles of those living off-grid.
So, why do Japanese toilets sing to you?
High-tech bidets reflect a cultural emphasis on privacy, hygiene, and comfort and often play music or flushing sounds to mask other sounds that you may be uncomfortable with others hearing them. Some even talk or greet you. It's like a private spa for your private parts. You cannot spell "parts" without "spa", after all.
DESIGN, FLUSHING MECHANISMS AND INSTALLATION STYLES
Just like in the history recap, we are going to go through a table of toilet types but this time based on - and starting with - their design, the way they flush and ending on a table listing all ways toilets are usually installed. We will also answer the question about the airplane waste! How exciting! Let's get to the bottom of this! And I don't mean derriere.
Design | Description |
One-Piece Toilet | Tank and bowl are fused into a single unit; sleek and easy to clean. |
Two-Piece Toilet | Tank and bowl are separate; common, easier to transport and repair. |
Wall-Hung Toilet | Mounted to the wall with a concealed tank; saves floor space, modern look. |
Smart Toilet | High-tech features: bidet, heated seat, auto flush/lid, and more. |
Composting Toilet | Eco-friendly; converts waste into compost, often waterless. |
Squat Toilet | User squats over a floor-level bowl; traditional in many parts of Asia/Africa. |
Portable Toilet | Mobile, chemical-based units for temporary use (events, construction, etc.). |
Urinal | Wall-mounted fixture for urination, commonly in male restrooms. |
Bidet Toilet | Combines toilet and bidet or is paired with a separate bidet fixture. |
Flushing Type | Description |
Gravity Flush | Uses gravity to flush water from the tank into the bowl; simple and common. |
Pressure-Assisted Flush | Pressurized air boosts flushing power; loud but effective. |
Dual Flush | Two flush options (low/high) to conserve water depending on waste type. |
Tornado/Double Cyclone Flush | Uses angled jets to create a spiral flush; efficient and powerful. |
Vacuum-Assisted Flush | Uses suction to remove waste; common in airplanes and high-tech systems. |
Installation Type | Description |
Floor-Mounted Toilet | Traditional installation; bolted to the floor with visible plumbing. |
Wall-Mounted Toilet | Attached to the wall; tank often hidden, ideal for saving floor space. |
Back-to-Wall Toilet | Sits flush against the wall; tank may be hidden in a cabinet or wall cavity. |
POOP IS IN THE AIR
I think John Paul Young's song title went a little different. Aaaanyway, here's how airplanes "deal with your crap". Literally.
Modern airplane toilets use a vacuum system. When you flush, the waste is sucked out of the bowl using powerful suction (not water like traditional toilets). This helps minimize odor and reduce the amount of liquid needed.
The waste then goes into a sealed holding tank in the aircraft's rear or belly. These tanks are specially designed to store human waste safely for the duration of the flight.
Once the plane lands, ground crews connect special hoses to the aircraft and pump the waste out into a secure truck. That truck then transports the waste to a treatment facility, just like waste from regular bathrooms.
Some people think airplanes dump waste mid-flight, but that is not true. International regulations strictly prohibit dumping waste in the air. Imagine you are going number two and then, 12 kilometers later, it lands on somebody on the ground. The impact would probably knock them out before they can even smell it.
THE ETYMOLOGY OF "NUMBER ONE AND TWO"
Speaking of “going number two". This, together with "going number one" are common euphemisms in English, especially when speaking to or around children. While they seem simple and even a bit childish, their origins are pretty interesting.
The phrases likely emerged in early-to-mid 20th century North America, especially in institutional settings like schools and hospitals. In these environments, restrooms sometimes used numerical codes or signs to discreetly refer to bodily functions:
Number One = Urination
Number Two = Defecation
This numeric shorthand may have appeared on charts or forms in hospitals or care facilities for staff reporting purposes, or even on signage or instructions meant to guide children politely.
A different theory states that the terms stem from the order of frequency of the bodily functions as people urinate more often than they defecate. Maybe it had something to do with euphemistic ranking, where pee is seen as more socially acceptable to talk about than poop.
Over time, these phrases turned into everyday, family-friendly lingo and became polite code words. Linguists call this dysphemism avoidance, where we soften talk about uncomfortable or taboo topics like bodily functions.
MYSTERIOUS "NUMBER THREE"
Unlike "going number one" and "going number two", "going number three" isn not an official or widely used, but people joke about it in various ways. Its meaning changes depending on context, and it is often used humorously:
Vomiting - some people refer to vomiting as "number three."
Diarrhea or explosive bowel movements - used as a dramatic exaggeration.
Anything beyond bodily excretion - in some dark-humor settings, it is used to refer to more severe or unpleasant bodily functions.
There is no standard definition, but its humor comes from the idea that you have “escalated” past the usual two options.
WHAT HISTORY TEACHES US ABOUT HYGIENE
1. Sanitation Is a Human Right
Toilets have consistently mirrored the values of a society. The more developed and accessible they are, the healthier and more creditable the community becomes.
2. Cleanliness Prevents Catastrophe
From cholera in 1800s London to COVID-19 in the 2020s, hygiene plays a crucial role in stopping the spread of disease. Clean restrooms aren not just about appearances - they are about protection.
3. Cleaning Is a Profession, Not a Chore
The Romans had communal attendants. Medieval households had chambermaids. Today, professional cleaning companies like ours ensure that homes, offices, schools, and healthcare facilities maintain the highest standards of cleanliness.
HOW DAISYFRESH KEEPS THE HISTORY'S LESSONS ALIVE
We take our role seriously. When restrooms are neglected, history reminds us what can happen. Here’s how we apply these lessons:
Routine Cleaning: From toilet bowls to sinks and stalls, we use industry-approved disinfectants to eliminate germs and prevent odor.
Touchpoint Sanitation: Handles, flush buttons, and light switches are prime bacterial zones and we disinfect them thoroughly.
Eco-Friendly Products: We clean responsibly with biodegradable, non-toxic solutions that keep your bathroom fresh without harming the planet.
Commercial & Residential Services: Whether it is a home bathroom or a multi-stall public facility, we bring the same level of detail and care.
FINAL FLUSH
The toilet’s journey from ancient stone seats to AI-enabled thrones shows how much we have evolved. And how far we still have to go. As a cleaning company, we are proud to play a small but crucial role in this ongoing story. Sanitation is not just about keeping things tidy. It is about health, dignity, innovation, and community.
So next time you flush, take a moment to appreciate the 5,000-year history behind this simple act and remember, we are here to keep it clean. Do not let your restrooms become relics of the past.
Contact us at DaisyFresh today for expert toilet and restroom cleaning services that honor both history and hygiene.
Marcin out. I need to go number four.
