Ancient Romans used a sponge on a stick as a communal bathroom tool
Ancient Romans maintained personal hygiene in public latrines using a xylospongium, a sea sponge attached to a wooden handle that was shared among visitors and rinsed in vinegar or salt water.
The xylospongium served as the Roman precursor to modern toilet paper in public facilities. These sponges were kept in basins of running water or vinegar solutions between uses. While it seems unhygienic today, it was a standard part of the Roman social experience where citizens chatted while using multi-seater latrines.
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