The ancient Romans were a fascinating bunch. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been captivated by the idea of Ancient Rome. It was ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt that made me fall in love with history and archaeology and want to study both as I went off to uni. Vomitoriums, Pompeii, Herculaneum, the aqueducts, their fascinating diets and habits.
They built incredible structures, created complex laws, and shaped much of Western civilization. But they also had some habits and practices that would make our jaws drop today. From their hygiene routines to their entertainment choices, the Romans did things very differently from us. Some of these practices might seem gross, others cruel, and some just plain weird.
Brushed Their Teeth With Urine
Ancient Romans used urine as a mouthwash and to brush their teeth. They believed that urine whitened teeth and fought decay. It wasn’t the whole of the Roman empire, though. As far as historians can tell, using urine for dental hygiene was most common among Celtiberians, located in the central-northeastern Iberian Peninsula. The ammonia in urine does have some cleaning properties, but most people today would gag at the thought.
Shared Toilet Sponges
Public toilets in ancient Rome had no toilet paper. Instead, people shared a sponge on a stick, which they rinsed in a water channel after use. This communal cleaning method would horrify most modern folks who value privacy and hygiene.
Ate Dormice as Snacks
Romans considered dormice a delicacy. They fattened these small rodents in special jars called gliraria. Then they’d stuff the dormice with nuts and serve them as appetizers at fancy dinners.
Used Lead Pipes for Water
The Romans built amazing aqueducts, but they used lead pipes to distribute water in cities. They didn’t know lead was toxic. This poisonous plumbing likely contributed to health problems and maybe even the fall of the empire.
Watched Deadly Gladiator Fights
Gladiatorial combat was hugely popular entertainment. Thousands would cheer as slaves and criminals fought to the death. This bloody sport went on for centuries before it was finally banned.
Practiced Infanticide
Roman families sometimes abandoned unwanted babies, especially girls or those with disabilities. They’d leave them outside to die or be taken by strangers. This practice, called exposure, was legal and socially accepted.
Vomited to Keep Eating
At lavish Roman feasts, some guests would vomit to make room for more food. They had special rooms called vomitoria for this purpose. This practice of purposeful purging would disgust most modern diners.
Used Crushed Mouse Brains as Toothpaste
Some Romans made toothpaste from strange ingredients like crushed mouse brains. They also used burnt eggshells and oyster shells. These odd concoctions were supposed to clean teeth and freshen breath.
Bathed in Oil Instead of Soap
Romans didn’t use soap for bathing. Instead, they’d rub oil all over their bodies and then scrape it off with a tool called a strigil. The oil would take dirt and sweat with it when scraped away.
Wore Sweaty Gladiator Sweat as Perfume
Female fans would collect the sweat and oil from gladiators’ bodies after fights. They believed this sweat had aphrodisiac properties and wore it as perfume. This would seem pretty gross to most people today.
Used Animal Dung as Medicine
Roman doctors often prescribed animal dung as medicine. They thought it could cure everything from baldness to snake bites. Today, we know this “cure” would likely cause more health problems than it solved.
Punished Parricide in Horrific Ways
Romans who killed their parents faced a gruesome execution. They’d be sewn into a sack with live animals like a dog, a rooster, a monkey, and a snake, then thrown into water. This bizarre punishment was meant to be especially terrifying.
Practiced Corpse Medicine
Romans believed that drinking the blood of fallen gladiators could cure epilepsy. They also used other parts of human corpses in medicines. This practice of medicinal cannibalism would horrify most people today.
Used Urine for Laundry
Roman laundry workers collected urine from public urinals. They used it to clean and whiten clothes, thanks to the ammonia content. It is actually very effective because it breaks down fat particles and stains. But the idea of washing clothes in pee would gross out most modern people.
Sold Graves With Expiration Dates
In ancient Rome, you could buy a grave with an expiration date. After a set time, your bones would be removed to make room for someone else. This recycling of grave space would upset many people today who expect eternal rest.
Used Lead as a Sweetener
Romans used a syrup made from boiled-down wine in lead pots as a sweetener. This “sugar of lead” was toxic but tasted sweet. They had no idea they were slowly poisoning themselves with every taste.
Enjoyed Garum, a Fermented Fish Sauce
Garum, a sauce made from fermented fish guts, was hugely popular in ancient Rome. They poured it on everything. The smell during production was so bad that garum factories had to be located outside of towns.
What Meg Got Wrong About Megalodons and 27 Other Fascinating Facts About These Colossal Prehistoric Sharks
The megalodon, a massive predator that once ruled the seas, has been extinct for millions of years. Its scientific name, Otodus megalodon, means “giant tooth,” reflecting the enormous size of its teeth, which are far larger than those of today’s great white sharks. The discovery of these teeth has given us valuable information about the megalodon’s life and extinction.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
