12-Person Toilet Discovered in the Ancient City of Smyrna

There has been a remarkable development in the ancient city of Smyrna, which is located in 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. “There are latrinas serving the audience near the theaters we know, but it is the first time that a place like this is used as a toilet in the stage building of the theater,” said the official, adding that this was an unexpected and exciting discovery. According to Ersoy, its history dates back to BC. The toilet in the theater, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, 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 the theaters in the Mediterranean region,” said Assoc. Dr. Akın Ersoy stated that this toilet can accommodate 12-13 people and is U-shaped.