In ancient Rome, cleanliness was not only a virtue but a necessity, woven into the fabric of daily life.
The Romans, known for their engineering prowess, also mastered the art of laundering. A pivotal part of this success was due to Roman professionals known as “fullers” (fullones), skilled individuals who transformed soiled garments into pristine attire fit for an emperor. This article explores the fascinating world of fullers in Rome and the innovative methods they used to achieve remarkable results.
How ancient Romans started laundry as we know it
In ancient Roman times, textiles and clothing held significant value; not just for their practical uses, but also as status symbols. Keeping these garments looking their best required expertise, and since washing was not done at home, it led to the rise of professional launderers. These professionals played a crucial role in all Roman cities, operating out of workshops called fullonicae, where they handled everything from basic cleaning to complex fabric treatments.
The fullers’ profession
Fullers, or fullones, were critical members of Roman society, though their work was often considered menial and unglamorous. Typically, they were part of a guild, ensuring standards were upheld and providing mutual support for each other. A fullonica was a bustling business in ancient Rome, where clothes were dropped off for thorough cleaning. These workshops were equipped with vats, basins and pressing equipment, resembling early industrial laundries.
Techniques and materials
The materials used for cleaning by fullers were both diverse and resourceful, with the most notable product being urine. Collected from a combination of public urinals and private donations via jars left on street corners, urine was prized for its ammonia content, which acted as a natural detergent. This revolutionary cleaning practice, though unappealing to us today, was highly effective in breaking down dirt and grease. Other materials used in the wash process included:
- Fullers’ earth
A type of clay that absorbed oils and grime. - Sulphur
Used for its bleaching properties. - Plants and ashes
Various plants and ashes were used for their cleaning and deodorising effects.
The Roman laundry process
The process of laundering in ancient Rome involved several steps, not unlike the actions of modern batch washers or washer extractors today, but far more labour intensive:
- Soaking (pre-wash).
Clothes were soaked in water and cleaning agents (primarily urine)to loosen dirt. - Stamping (mechanical action)
The pre-soaked items were then placed in vats where workers, often barefoot, would trample on them to work in the cleaning agents and remove soil. - Rinsing
After thorough stamping, the clothes were then rinsed in water to remove residual cleaning agents and dirt. This was often done using a counterflow system, moving items from the dirty end of flowing water through different baths to the cleanest area. - Drying and whitening
Garments were spread out to dry in the sun. At this stage, sulphur might be used for additional whitening if needed. - Finishing
Finally, the clothes were pressed and brushed to restore their appearance and texture, often with sheep wool.
Economic and social aspects
These early laundries were an integral part of the Roman economy, providing essential services that supported both everyday life and the elite’s demand for immaculate garments. The profession’s economic impact and significance in society is evident from surviving inscriptions and the remains of fullonicae found in archaeological sites like Pompeii. Artefacts such as these offer a vivid glimpse into the daily operations of ancient Roman laundries.
The fullers of ancient Rome were masters of their craft, using a combination of ingenuity and practical knowledge to achieve remarkable results. Their methods, while unconventional by modern standards, highlight the resourcefulness and sophistication of Roman society. From urine to white linen, the secrets of Roman laundering offer a fascinating window into the daily lives and innovations of an ancient civilisation, while also revealing how the industry has evolved.
References and further reading
- Bradley, M. (2002). “It All Comes Out in the Wash: Looking Harder at the Roman Fullonica.” Journal of Roman Archaeology.
- Flohr, M. (2013). “The World of the Fullo: Work, Economy, and Society in Roman Italy.”
- Various archaeological reports on the findings at Pompeii and other Roman sites.