What have the Romans ever done for us? Loads. This episode of History in a Nutshell ticks off some of the ways Britain changed forever after the Roman invasion. | English Heritage

In ancient Rome daily life meant sharing more than news in public latrines where stone benches and flowing water turned nature calls into a social event A natural sea sponge on a wooden stick served as a communal cleansing tool rinsed each time in a bucket of saltwater or vinegar This practice began in the second century BC and while it may seem odd it reflects the ingenious design of Roman public works and the lively exchanges that made even basic routines a chance to connect with strangers | T