The oldest flush toilet found in China is over 2,400 years old (3 photos + 1 video)
With its help, scientists expect to learn more about the gastronomic habits of ancient people. 
A toilet with a flushing system was found among the ruins of a palace in ancient city of Yueyang in Xi'an (China). Archaeologists believe that he is more 2400 years, which corresponds to the periods of the reign of three Chinese emperors - Qin Xiaogong (381-338 BC), Qin Xiangong (424-362 gg. BC) and Liu Bang (256-195 BC). China Daily writes about it. 
The surviving parts of the latrine were discovered last summer, but Only now have they been brought together. Several factors at once indicates that this toilet was a "luxury item". First, at it had a manual drain. Since at that time there was no sewers, which means that after each use, its contents washed off with water. Secondly, it was located indoors. All this could only the very rich can afford it.
This is the first and only flush toilet which has ever been discovered in China. Everyone on the spot was surprised, and then we all burst out laughing.
Liu Rui researcher from the Institute of Archeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences 
Archaeologists have never been able to find the top of the toilet, therefore, they cannot say exactly how it was used: sitting or squatting. However, based on previous posts about latrines, such as stone carvings on the tombs of members of the royal families, they lean towards the second option.
Prior to this discovery, it was thought that the first manual flush toilet was invented by John Harington for Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century.
Archaeological excavations in Yuzian began in 2012. Thanks to them, scientists expect to learn more about eating habits ancient people. Experts analyze the soil, hoping to find traces human feces, but so far they've only seen traces of fertilizer.
