Iron Age Humans and Hillfort Toilet facilities

Humbleton Hill 2

Image by Hob

herbwormwood Apr 18, 2006 17:53:44

We were trying to work out where Iron Age Man and Woman went to the toilet on Hillforts like these, as the ground is too rocky to dig any holes anywhere on the hill. Did they have composting toilets, middens or what? Or would the ground have been less rocky in their time? Did they recycle their waste in any ways?

sttomas Apr 18, 2006 18:08:06

Replying to herbwormwood

I always thought they either buried it, went in the woods or in a nearby river.

Although I have been thinking of the idea of Iron Age communal loos lately!

FourWinds Apr 18, 2006 18:25:29

Replying to herbwormwood

I suppose the one thing to remember about many hilllforts is that they weren't necessarily occupied all the time. More often than not they were for retreating to in times of need and most of the population lived outside.

It's still an interesting question though, because there'd actually be more shit about when people are throwing rocks, arrows and spears at you :-)