Beit She'an in Yizrael, Northern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)

A Public Latrine in Bet-She'an

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 8, 2023

1. A Public Latrine in Bet-She'an Marker

Inscription. Visitors to the bathhouse and the theater enjoyed a life of social grace and culture. But what did they do when nature called?
Like a true Roman-Byzantine city, Bet-She'an had public latrines. Users entered an open courtyard paved with a mosaic floor and lined along the walls with toilets, with no separation between them, and no evidence today of a division between men's and women's facilities. A channel of running water beneath the seats provided drainage, and personal hygiene was achieved by a leaf attached to a twig.
Only the wealthy could afford private lavatories. Public latrines like this were built in various neighborhoods for the convenience of their residents.

(Hebrew text not transcribed)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list.

Location. 32° 30.094′ N, 35° 30.15′ E. Marker is in Beit She'an, Northern District, in Yizrael. It can be reached from no nearby street. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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it is in Asia,

specifically in West Asia,

in the Middle East,

in The Levant,

on the Red Sea,

in a coastal Mediterranean country,

and in the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire,

the Ottoman Empire,

a British Mandate,

and the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cultic Area (here, next to this marker); The Agora / האגורה (within shouting distance of this marker); Theatres (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Performances at the theatre (about 90 meters away); Palladius Street (about 90 meters away); The theatre of Beth-Shean (Scythopolis) (about 90 meters away); The Sigma / הסיגמה (about 120 meters away); The Theatre / התיאטרון (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beit She'an.

More about this marker. The marker is located in Beit She’an National Park.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 8, 2023

2. A Public Latrine in Bet-She'an Marker

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 8, 2023

3. A Public Latrine in Bet-She'an Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 286 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.