According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, the limestone toilet was excavated at a site in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood of Jerusalem. The toilet is believed to be part of an ancient royal estate that dates back to 700 B.C.E and was positioned over a deep septic tank. While the discovery of a toilet from this era is a rare find, archeologists can learn the most from the contents of the septic tank.
The team found pottery shards and animal bones in the septic tank, which aid archeologists to better understand the lifestyle, diet, and diseases of ancient Jerusalem. Inside the 5 by 6.5 foot toilet cubicle, archeologists found between 30 and 40 bowls, which they hypothesize could have held aromatic oils and incense to freshen up the room.
The septic tank was not attached to a large drainage system, indicating that servants would occasionally have to empty its contents. The ancient palace where the toilet was discovered has been under excavation for over a year. The Israel Antiquities Authority has speculated that the palace could have belonged to a king of Judah or a wealthy member of one of Jerusalem’s noble families. With the discovery of a toilet, it could be another throne room for a King of Judah.