Who invented the modern toilet?
You just have to accidentally come across some Turkish toilet to realize the comfort provided by our usual toilets. But our toilets have not always been like this although the very invention of the concept of toilets dates back several thousand years.
So when were the toilet invented? Who invented the toilet?
The invention of toilets did not spread uniformly throughout the world. For example, in the city of Harappa (Indus Valley), traces of individual toilets with an evacuation system in addition to a seat have been found, dating back to 3000 BC.
On the other hand, the nobles of Versailles defecated directly on the balconies, not so long ago.
While vestiges of toilets and sewers are said to have existed in Mesopotamia, ancient China and ancient Egypt, it was during ancient Rome that we found sanitary facilities resembling those we know today. The only notable difference (and not the least) was that the evacuation system led directly to... the streets!
It was not then on the European Middle Ages that one had to count to invent a more hygienic solution to evacuate the waste from the toilets that were called "latrines" at the time. One had to rely on chamber pots or pits to pile up the excrement without any system of evacuation or treatment of the excrement.
It was not until 1592 and John Harington that the first invention was seen. flush toilet allowing the automation of the evacuation of excrement from toilets.
Alexander Cumming would add his stone to the building almost 200 years later with the invention of the siphon in 1775, offering the possibility of toilets without odors rising.
It was also towards the end of the 18th century that we observed the invention of the toilet seat, which is now almost universal.
Finally, the invention of the porcelain toilet that you are familiar with is attributed to Thomas Twyford in 1885.
Heated toilet seat, washing and drying toilets, wall-hung toilets, etc. the invention of our toilets has come a long way today, bringing us comfort and hygiene in both private and public places.