Technical advancement of Romans in terms of latrines and sewage systems

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Cloaca Maxima

The technical advancement of the Romans in terms of latrines and sewage systems was achieved again in Europe only in the 19th century. It is believed that the first sewage system in Rome was built between 800 and 735 BCE. The Roman sewer system was extremely extensive in ancient Rome.

For example, the largest Cloaca Maxima was 4.2 m high and 3.2 m wide and stretched for several kilometres. Canals could be inspected by boat, which was done personally by e.g. Marcus Agrippa while being an aedile in 33 BCE.

More about hygiene in ancient Rome

Sources
  • Samuel Ball Platner, Thomas Ashby, Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome
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