Lack of Personal Hygiene
Contrary to the image of pristine marble baths, many Romans, especially the lower classes, had poor personal hygiene. Daily bathing was not common, and some individuals rarely washed their bodies or changed their clothes.
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Use of Urine in Laundering
One particularly disgusting hygiene practice involved using urine as a cleaning agent for laundry. Public urine collection points were established, and the ammonia-rich urine was then used to clean garments, a process believed to whiten and disinfect fabrics.
2. Dining Habits
Vomitoriums and Overeating
The Romans were known for their extravagant feasts, where guests indulged in excessive amounts of food and drink. Vomitoriums, often misconstrued as rooms for purging during meals, were actually passageways for exiting large venues quickly.
Recycling of Vomit
In some cases, vomit was recycled during feasts to allow guests to continue eating without interruption. This practice, known as "reclining and dining," involved leaning to the side to expel excess food and then resuming the meal.
3. Cuisine
Exotic Delicacies
Roman cuisine included a variety of foods that may seem repulsive by modern standards. Delicacies such as stuffed dormice, fried brains, and roasted flamingo tongues were considered gourmet dishes enjoyed by the elite.
Garum: Fermented Fish Sauce
Garum, a popular condiment made from fermented fish guts, was a staple of Roman cuisine. Despite its strong odor and pungent flavor, garum was prized for its rich umami taste and was used to season a wide range of dishes.