The latrine, one of the best preserved in Ostia, was built inside two shops of the Hadrianic period (AD 117-138). Its current appearance dates to the 4th century AD, as is evident from the presence of reused marble slabs, including some with inscriptions, from earlier abandoned buildings. It preserves a row of twenty marble seats with holes at the centre running around three sides; beneath was a channel along which the water drained away. On the fourth side, the room had a wash basin set against a pillar separating the two entrances: these had revolving doors, as we know from the presence of holes in the marble thresholds that served to hold them in place.
Axonometric view of the latrine
(A. Pascolini)
Reconstruction showing how the latrine was used
(A. Pascolini)
General view of the latrine
Detail of the latrine
Inscribed lead fistula discovered on Via della Forica across from the latrine