Episode

1723: "Ancient Roman Laundry"

Podcast: Interesting Things with JC
Published: Jul 24, 2026
Duration seconds: 173
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Summary

Interesting Things with JC #1723: "Ancient Roman Laundry" – Roman laundries cleaned clothing by stomping it in vats of aged urine because the ammonia removed grease and stains. Public urinals supplied the industry, and the trade became valuable enough for the Roman government to tax it before anyone understood the chemistry behind why it worked.