Roman philosopher Seneca who lived from 4 B.C. to A.D. 65, recorded the use of a sponge attached to a stick that did the job of a toilet paper. The tool (called a tersorium) sat in a bucket of salt water or vinegar water.
As uncomfortable as a communal vinegar-soaked sponge-stick may seem compared to our delicate modern bathroom, we need to credit the ancient Romans for setting the pace for proper toilet etiquette. At least sponges are soft and vinegar does disinfect.
