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Built in 70 BCE, Pompeii’s amphitheater is the oldest and most complete structure of its type, of the pre-Coliseum style, in the Roman world. A splendid edifice in any era, let alone one built 2,000 years ago, the amphitheater could hold no fewer than 20,000 spectators. How many latrines or toilets did it have?

Answer: The exact number was zero. Patrons could use the stairs and corridors for their toilet requirements.

Source Pompeii – The Life of a Roman Town by Mary Beard

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1908 – King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Prince Luis Filipe are assassinated by Republican sympathizers in Lisbon.

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“In Russia a man is a called reactionary if he objects to having his property stolen and his wife and children murdered.”

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Marcus Porcius Cato (234-149BCE)

Roman statesman, soldier and writer of virtue, simplicity and wisdom. He condemned the luxury of his time and was nicknamed “the censor”. He became Consul in 195BCE, took part in the defeat of Hannibal at Zama, held command in Sardinia and Spain, and in 191 BCE assisted the Greeks in overthrowing Antiochus III at Thermopolyae.

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