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Bogs, Baths, and Basins: The Story of Domestic Sanitation

Junot Díaz

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From the ancient world to the present day, the human relationship with cleanliness and hygiene has been a fascinating journey. In his book 'Bogs, Baths, and Basins', historian Peter Atkins delves into this rich history, exploring the evolution of domestic sanitation from the earliest civilizations to the modern era.

Bogs, Baths & Basins: The Story of Domestic Sanitation

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17593 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	349 pages

Ancient Sanitation

The earliest known toilets date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in what is now Pakistan and northwest India around 2600 BCE. These toilets were simple, consisting of a hole in the ground lined with bricks or wood. They were often located in communal areas, such as public baths or marketplaces.

In ancient Greece, toilets were also simple affairs. They were typically located in courtyards or gardens, and consisted of a hole in the ground covered by a wooden seat. Wealthy Greeks sometimes had more elaborate toilets, made of marble or other expensive materials. These toilets were often decorated with carvings or paintings.

The Romans were the first to develop a system of public sanitation. They built aqueducts to bring water into cities, and they constructed public baths, which were used by all classes of people. Roman toilets were similar to Greek toilets, but they were often connected to a sewer system, which carried away waste into rivers or the sea.

Medieval Sanitation

With the fall of the Roman Empire, public sanitation declined in Europe. In the Middle Ages, most people relieved themselves in the streets or in fields. There were some public toilets, but they were often filthy and dangerous. Wealthy people sometimes had private toilets, but these were often just holes in the ground.

In the 14th century, the Black Death ravaged Europe, killing millions of people. The plague was spread by rats, and it was thought that poor sanitation contributed to its spread. In response, some cities began to build sewers and public toilets. However, these efforts were often unsuccessful, and the streets of European cities remained filthy and dangerous.

Modern Sanitation

The Industrial Revolution brought about major changes in sanitation. In the 19th century, cities began to build modern sewer systems and water treatment plants. These systems helped to improve public health and reduce the spread of disease.

The invention of the flushing toilet in the late 19th century was another major advance in sanitation. Flushing toilets made it possible for people to dispose of waste safely and hygienically. Today, flushing toilets are the standard in most parts of the world.

'Bogs, Baths, and Basins' is a fascinating and informative book that explores the history of domestic sanitation from the ancient world to the present day. Atkins' writing is clear and engaging, and he provides a wealth of interesting details and anecdotes. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of hygiene and public health.

A Photo Of A Modern Flushing Toilet. Bogs Baths Basins: The Story Of Domestic Sanitation