Quick google-search and the wiki of my country (Germany) gives a detailed explanation how the assumption this thing was to clean your anus is wrong.
You can do better. ;)
this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2024
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The idea of the xylospongium as a toilet brush is not at all the mainstream position despite Wiplinger's claims to the contrary.
Explanation: The ancient Romans used the xylospongium or tersorium for wiping purposes - a sea sponge on a stick. How lovely! In public restrooms, they would have been shared, which is probably not all that hygienic regardless of the fact that they rinsed the sponge after each use, or let it soak in vinegar or salt water when idle. Still, civilization! What marvels, right?
There no way the sticks were straight tho right? I mean. That's a horrible angle....
I have to wonder if this means that all the ancient Romans kind of smelled a little poopy all the time
Well, the sponge itself would be rinsed of fecal matter in running water, and the salt water/vinegar soak would have taken care of the rest. Smell (at least, the smell of the wiped Romans) wouldn't have been a problem - transmission of parasite eggs from fecal matter, on the other hand? Probably a non-negligible issue.