The toilet, a humble yet essential fixture in modern life, has a history spanning several millennia. As far back as 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, basic indoor toilet facilities were available. The development of sanitation advanced significantly around 2,500 years ago in the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro (in modern-day Pakistan), where the world’s first public sewage system was established. However, it wasn’t until 1449 that the first flushing toilet was installed in England.
Over the centuries, the toilet has seen its fair share of notable moments. Even Martin Luther, the 16th-century leader of the Protestant Reformation, claimed to have formulated the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone” while using one. Whether pondering profound ideas or scrolling through social media, few of us reflect on the long history of the essential device we’re sitting on.
Here’s a brief look at the journey of this indispensable convenience.