sanitation in ancient Rome

Water from the baths, latrines, palaces, fountains, etc., as well as other urban runoff was discharged into Rome's drainage and wastewater collection system. Several centuries before the birth of Christ, Etruscan engineers built the initial drainage system (Cloaca Maxima) whose main outlet into the Tiber River still exists 28 centuries later.

Public latrines were operated on pay for use. More commonly garbage and chamber pots were emptied into the streets or underground cesspits.

jpr: If you didn't live on a hill top the fumes could overpower..

79 AD cesspit beneath the ancient town of Herculaneum