Her name was Cloacina, and she meant business
Ancient mythology is filled with some incredible characters, but few are as memorable as the Romans’ goddess of sewers and drains. Known as Cloacina, she was initially imagined to have presided over the city of Rome’s Cloaca Maxima, the city’s primary drainage tube. Over time, she came to be known as the patron of many additional things, including actual sewage, sexual intercourse between spouses and personal cleanliness.
A Brief History of Rome’s Sewers
As one of the ancient world’s most advanced civilizations, Rome has a long history of public sanitation. Along with its satellites, the city had open sewers since its founding. Beginning in the 6th century B.C., engineers constructed the first segments of covered sewers within the city limits. As Rome expanded, its sewer system grew along with it. Although its drains and tubes have mostly been filled in or built over, modern Rome does retain some of the vestiges of its ancient sewer system.
Cloacina’s Many Roles
According to mythology, Cloacina didn’t just watch over Rome’s Cloaca Maxima. She was also responsible for ensuring the hygiene of the city’s residents and shepherding its filth through its drainage system until it safely left the city’s confines. Eventually, she was also believed to play a role in married couples’ intimate relations.
How She Earned Her Keep
As befits a goddess with such an unpleasant but essential job, Cloacina enjoyed a surprisingly robust cult. Her statues adorned various sections of Rome’s sewer system, and a so-called “shrine of Venus Cloaca” once covered a sewer entrance in Rome’s famous Forum. In the 1st century B.C., she even got her picture on a popular line of Roman coins! That’s a high honor for such a lowly deity.
Nothing Supernatural Here: Comprehensive Plumbing Services in Bryan-College Station
The ancient Romans may have need a deity to keep their sewers and drains clean, but modern Texans have an even more stalwart ally: ABC Home & Commercial of Bryan-College Station. Whether you need a clogged drain cleared or wish to protect your home’s plumbing system from future problems, our talented team of experienced plumbers can help. To learn more about what we can do for your home or business, call us at (979) 361-0500 or visit our plumbing service page.