12-Person Toilet Discovered in the Ancient City of Smyrna

A remarkable development took place in the ancient city of Smyrna, which is located in the Konak district of Izmir and where excavations are carried out in order to solve the mystery behind it. Within the scope of the studies, a toilet area thought to be used by the artists was discovered. This area had the capacity to enable 12 artists to use their toilets at the same time.

Explanations on the subject, Smyrna Ancient City Excavation Director Assoc. Dr. Made by Akin Ersoy. “Near the theaters we know, there are latrinas that serve the audience, but it is a first for such a place to be used as a toilet inside the stage building of the theater.“This is an unexpected and exciting discovery,” said the official. According to Ersoy, the toilet in the theater, whose history dates back to the 2nd century BC, was built in the 2nd century AD and was used until the 5th century AD.

Toilet discovered in Smyrna

“The use of this toilet by a large number of people also brought about socialization. We think that it is only used by artists working in the stage building and performing in the theater. Because the stage building is closed to the audience. It is possible to consider it as an ‘artist toilet’ since it is in a closed area. It is a first in theaters in the Mediterranean region.” Using his statements, Assoc. Dr. Akın Ersoy stated that this toilet can accommodate 12-13 people and is U-shaped.