Are you tired of reading the same old boring news stories? Well, we have something a little more interesting for you today! In this article, we’re going to dive into some fascinating fun facts about toilets. Yes, you heard that right, toilets. Even though they might not be the most glamorous or talked-about subject, there are some truly fascinating things to discover about the porcelain throne. From the history of the flushing mechanism to some of the most expensive toilets in the world, we’ve got a lot of ground to cover. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some quirky tidbits about one of the most essential pieces of furniture in your home!
1. The first flushable toilet was invented in 1596 by Sir John Harington, godson of Queen Elizabeth I. He called it the “Ajax” after the mythological Greek hero who cleansed the Augean stables in a day.
2. King Louis XIV of France was obsessed with hygiene and had over 1,000 chamber pots installed throughout his palace of Versailles. His personal toilet was a throne-like contraption made of silver and ivory.
3. In ancient Rome, communal toilets known as “latrines” were a social gathering place. People would sit and chat with their neighbors while taking care of business.
3. In ancient Rome, communal toilets known as “latrines” were a social gathering place. People would sit and chat with their neighbors while taking care of business.
4. During the medieval period, toilet paper was not yet invented. Instead, people used things like corn cobs, leaves, and even their own hands to clean up after themselves.
5. In Japan, the traditional squat toilet known as a “washlet” has become incredibly high-tech. They often include heated seats, built-in bidets, and even sound systems to cover up embarrassing noises.
6. The modern flush toilet didn’t become popular until the mid-19th century. Before that, chamber pots and outhouses were the norm.
7. The famous physicist Albert Einstein was once asked what he would do if he had 1 hour to save the world. His response? “I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and 5 minutes implementing the solution.” When asked what he would do if he only had 5 minutes, he reportedly replied, “I’d spend 4 minutes thinking about toilets.”
8. In many African countries, squat toilets are still the norm. In some places, a common saying is “If you stand up to pee, you’re not African.”
9. During the Victorian era, toilets were seen as a symbol of status and wealth. People would often display elaborate, ornate toilets in their homes to show off their wealth.
10. Today, more people in the world have access to cell phones than they do to toilets. Approximately 4.2 billion people worldwide don’t have access to basic sanitation facilities.
