China Discovers Oldest Flush Toilet Over 2400 Years Old

With its help, scientists aim to learn more about the culinary habits of ancient people.

A toilet with a flushing system was discovered among the ruins of a palace in the ancient city of Yueyang in Xi'an (China). Archaeologists believe it is over 2400 years old, corresponding to the reigns of three Chinese emperors - Qin Xiaogong (381-338 BC), Qin Xiangong (424-362 BC), and Liu Bang (256-195 BC). This was reported by China Daily.

The preserved parts of the toilet were found last summer, but only now have they been assembled. Several factors indicate that this toilet was a "luxury item." Firstly, it had a manual flush. Since there was no sewage system at that time, this means that its contents were flushed away with water after each use. Secondly, it was located indoors. All of this could only be afforded by very wealthy individuals.

Archaeologists have not been able to find the upper part of the toilet, so they cannot say for certain how it was used: sitting or squatting. However, based on previous records of toilets, such as stone carvings on the tombs of royal family members, they lean towards the latter option.

Before this discovery, it was believed that the first manual flushing toilet was invented by John Harington for Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century.

Archaeological excavations in Yuzhan began in 2012. Thanks to these efforts, scientists hope to learn more about the dietary habits of ancient people. Experts are analyzing the soil, hoping to find traces of human feces, but so far they have only encountered traces of fertilizers.