Fullonica of Stephanus in Pompeii, Italy
Ancient Roman laundries such as this used human urine to clean and bleach clothes.
Curious uses of urine through the ages
“Gross!” is how most of us are likely to describe urine—that foul-smelling liquid byproduct of excretion. Unless our work requires us to deal with it daily, our relationship with it ends the moment our bodies expel it in the blissful privacy of our bathrooms (or, if the need is dire, out in the open with only nature to keep us company). Although the thought of urine may leave our minds the second we have “gone”...