When it comes to amazing discoveries, the humble lavatory may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, throughout history, some remarkable artifacts and surprising finds have been uncovered in bathrooms around the world.
From ancient treasures to peculiar items accidentally left behind, these lavatory revelations offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who used them. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the intriguing world of bathroom discoveries.
The Lost Crown Jewels of England
In 1812, a plumber accidentally stumbled upon one of the most significant discoveries in British history. While renovating the lavatory at Westminster Abbey, he noticed a loose tile beneath the toilet.
Investigating further, he uncovered a hidden chamber containing a decaying wooden box.
To his astonishment, the box contained what appeared to be the long-lost Crown Jewels of England. Upon closer inspection, experts confirmed that the jewels were indeed authentic.
It turned out that during the English Civil War, the jewels were hidden in the lavatory to keep them safe from Oliver Cromwell’s forces.
Ancient Roman Graffiti
The ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried under ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, has provided us with a wealth of knowledge about life in Roman times.
Among the fascinating discoveries made during archaeological excavations were toilets covered in graffiti.
These “latrines of words” provided a unique insight into the daily lives and concerns of Pompeii’s citizens.
From political messages and love declarations to gossip and crude jokes, the walls of the lavatories allowed people to leave their mark, quite literally, for future generations to discover.
A Preserved Medieval Manuscript
In 1992, a remarkable discovery was made during renovations at a castle in the United Kingdom. Workers found a hidden compartment behind a lavatory wall, concealing a perfectly preserved medieval manuscript.
The manuscript, dating back to the 14th century, contained an enchanting collection of love poems and illustrations. It not only provided valuable insights into medieval literature but also shed light on the amorous sentiments of the time.
The lavatory had unwittingly become the guardian of a medieval treasure trove.
An Unexpected Ring
One man’s trip to the lavatory turned into an unforgettable moment when he accidentally dropped his wedding ring down the toilet. Distraught, he called a plumber who dismantled the toilet and managed to retrieve the ring.
However, what the plumber discovered next left everyone stunned.
While examining the toilet’s U-bend, the plumber found a collection of rings that had been accidentally flushed by previous users over the years.
People’s carelessness had unknowingly contributed to the creation of a small treasure trove of lost jewelry.
The World’s Oldest Flushing Toilet
In 2013, archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete made a groundbreaking discovery. They unearthed what is believed to be the world’s oldest flushing toilet system.
The ancient plumbing system, dating back to around 1700 BC, featured multiple interconnected toilets that drained into a sophisticated sewage network.
This remarkable find showcased the advanced engineering skills of the Minoans and provided valuable insight into their daily lives and personal hygiene practices.
A Hidden Painting
In Paris, an art restorer made an astonishing discovery while working on a routine restoration project in a lavatory at the Louvre Museum. As he peeled away layers of paint, he unveiled an exquisite Renaissance painting hidden underneath.
The painting was attributed to an unknown artist and depicted an allegorical scene of love and desire. The lavatory, which had been used as a storage room for old artworks, had inadvertently become the hiding place for a forgotten masterpiece.
Forgotten Documents of Historical Significance
In the early 20th century, the restoration of an ancient castle in Germany led to an incredible find. During the renovation of a lavatory, workers discovered a concealed compartment containing a collection of forgotten documents.
These documents turned out to be letters exchanged between notable figures of the time, shedding light on important political decisions and the personal lives of historical figures.
The lavatory had unknowingly become a time capsule, preserving valuable insights into a bygone era.
An Infamous Toilet Seat
In 1963, one of the most bizarre items ever left behind in a lavatory was discovered in a restroom in London. The object in question was an intricately carved wooden toilet seat.
This lavish toilet seat, which was adorned with precious gemstones, belonged to King Henry VIII. It had been accidentally left behind during the relocation of the royal court.
The discovery of the lavishly decorated seat offered a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the infamous king.
Mysteries from the Deep
In 2000, a team of underwater archaeologists made an astonishing find while examining a shipwreck off the coast of Florida. Among the wreckage, they discovered a toilet seat made of solid gold.
The origins of the golden lavatory seat remained a mystery, but it was believed to have belonged to a wealthy individual onboard the ill-fated ship.
The golden toilet seat stood as a testament to the extravagant lifestyles and peculiar artifacts that can be lost at sea.