2,200-year-old Flush Toilet of Ancient High-ranking Royalty Unexpectedly Unearthed in China

Archaeologists may have uncovered the oldest flush toilet ever found. This was reported earlier by the state news agency of China.

2,200-Year-Old Flush Toilet Found in China

During excavations of two huge buildings within palace ruins at Yueyang city, archaeologists from the China Academy of Social Sciences's Institute of Archaeology were greeted with this shocking discovery. According to Ancient Origins, Yueyang was the capital city of China across various historical dynasties.

Estimates show that the flush toilet could have existed between 2,200 and 2,400 years ago. This means that it may have been used from the Warring States Period up to the start of the Han Dynasty.

Science Alert reports that this finding is quite interesting and distinct because flush toilets that are modern have been thought to be from England. It goes to show that the flush toilet concept was not a complete mystery in other areas of the world.

According to Ancient Origins, being able to build and use such a kind of toilet requires an understanding of waste management, water supply, and hygiene. Such things were not common during this period. Fan Mingyang, an ancient tool design expert, stated that this flush toilet is quite advanced because of its drainage system.

A pipe, toilet bowl, and other broken parts that led to this facility were found during the summer. According to Liu Rui, who was part of the excavation team, such advanced facilities may have only been used by high-ranking royalty from the Shaanxi province in China. Ancient Origins reports that it may have been used by Qin Xiaogong or his father during the Warring States Period or by the Han Dynasty's first emperor, Liu Bang.

He also mentioned that servants may have been the ones to flush the water whenever the toilet bowl was used.

Liu mentions that this was the first and only flush toilet that has been uncovered in China. Everyone who was present at the site was surprised by the discovery. Later on, everyone just burst into laughter.

More Ancient Mysteries to Uncover

Aside from analyzing the flush toilet artifacts, the archaeologists are also analyzing samples of soil that were gathered at the site. These samples could shed light on the health, diet, and other vital details regarding the toilet users.

On top of this, it may also grant insight regarding the fertilizer and agricultural applications that may have been used during the Han Dynasty. They could also serve as great references for the urban planning of various historical areas.

Liu also mentions that, on top of the written records, researchers can also learn more about the kingdom's reforms and systems by studying ancient palaces deeper.

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