One of the reasons the Roman army chose the site at Vindolanda, on which to build a fort, was the abundant water supply: at the west of the site, which is still boggy even in hot weather, there are the remains of wells and water tanks, and an aqueduct feeding the bathhouse. All of them are regularly full of water. Not a drop of this precious resource was wasted. The dirty water from the bathhouse flushed the latrine next to it, and was eventually discharged into the stream to the east of the site through a series of sewers.
Have you given much thought to what your toilet seat is made of? Roman toilet seats were often made of stone, though at Vindolanda, one seat was different and sparked interesting memories with which you may be familiar. Find out more. Read more
Imagine living with no “ on tap” water. Roman households had to make do with wells and water tanks. But how were the public baths filled and latrines flushed? Find out more. Read more
These might be the original flip flop! Not all the shoes at Vindolanda are made from leather. The extensive Roman footwear collection includes wooden clogs which were worn in the bath house. Read more
Buckets, an essential item throughout history, used for collecting, carrying and storing water and other less savoury products!!! Who knows what this bucket was used for. Read more