Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Sanitation in Ancient Rome

Explore the fascinating world of sanitation in the ancient city of Rome through our carefully curated reading list.

Delve into the intricate systems of water supply, sewage management, and public hygiene that sustained the bustling metropolis of the Roman Empire. Engage with renowned scholars such as Taylor, Nielsen, and Hodge, whose research sheds light on the engineering marvels and social implications of ancient Roman sanitation practices. From the iconic aqueducts that transported water from distant sources to the innovative sewer systems that drained waste from the city, our reading list offers a comprehensive overview of Rome’s approach to public health and sanitation. Discover how ancient Romans coped with the challenges of urban living, from communal latrines and public baths to the regulation of street cleanliness and waste disposal. Gain insight into the intersections of engineering, politics, and culture that shaped the sanitary infrastructure of ancient Rome, and appreciate the enduring legacy of Roman innovations in urban planning and public health. Whether you’re a scholar, student, or history enthusiast, our collection of scholarly works invites you to explore the hidden world of sanitation in one of history’s greatest cities.

General

  • Connolly, P. & Dodge, H., The ancient city: life in Classical Athens and Rome, Oxford, 1998, 238-47.
  • Coulston, J. & Dodge, H., Ancient Rome: the archaeology of the eternal city, Oxford, 2000, Ch 9.
  • Erdkamp, P. (ed.) The Cambridge companion to ancient Rome, Cambridge, 2013, Ch 17.
  • Robinson, O.F., Ancient Rome: city planning and administration, London, 1992, 95-.
  • Stambaugh, J.E., The ancient Roman city, Baltimore, 1988, 128-32, 201-6.

Further Reading

  • Aicher, P.J., Guide to the Aqueducts of Ancient Rome, Wauconda, 1995.
  • DeForest, D., ‘Emperors, baths, and public spaces: the imperial thermae in Rome’s Late Antique   landscape’, in G. Smith and J. Gadeyne (ed.), Perspectives on Public Space in Rome, from Antiquity to the Present Day, Farnham, 2013, 43-64.
  • DeLaine, J., The baths of Caracalla: a study in the design, construction, and economics of large-scale building projects in imperial Rome, Portsmouth RI, 1997.
  • Hodge, A.T., Roman aqueducts & water supply, London, 1992.
  • de Kleijn, G., The water supply of ancient Rome: city area, water, and population, Amsterdam, 2001.
  • Nielsen, I., Thermae et balnea: the architecture and cultural history of Roman public baths, Aarhus, 1990.
  • Taylor, R.M., Public needs and private pleasures: water distribution, the Tiber river and the urban development of ancient Rome, Rome, 2000.
  • Yegul, F.K., Baths and bathing in classical antiquity, New York, 1992, Ch 5.