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Visitors to the bathhouse and the theater in Beth Shean enjoyed a life of social grace and culture. But what did they do when nature called?
Like most Roman-Byzantine cities, Beth Shean had public latrines. Users entered an open courtyard paved with a mosaic floor. "Toilets," with no separation between them, and no evidence of a division between men's and women's facilities, lined the walls.
A channel of running water beneath the seats provided drainage, and personal hygiene was achieved by a leaf attached to a twig.
Only the wealthy could afford private bathrooms. Public latrines like this were built in various neighborhoods for the convenience of their residents.
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