On a summer day in 1184 a large group of nobles and clergy were gathered in Erfurt, modern day Germany, debating control over the city. The event was being presided over by the son of the Holy Roman Emperor. All was normal until the floor gave way and dozens of people fell into the cesspit below the castle. 60 people died, many drowning in human waste. This is the story of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster.

Sources

The Fort Weekly Curio #1: The Erfurter Latrinensturz

"Water Technology in the Middle Ages Cities, Monasteries, and Waterworks After the Roman Empire" By Roberta J. Magnusson

https://www.erfurt-lese.de/streifzuege/geschichtliches/erfurter-latrinensturz/

History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices