“如厕潜遁”与汉代溷厕

Escapeway of Restrooms in the Han Dynasty

汉代的溷厕不只是屎溺与积肥之处,危难时刻汉人常有借道溷厕出逃的事件发生。"如厕"出逃的途径有翻越溷厕的垣墙而走,有借道溷厕的窦洞潜出。这种奇特的避难方式与汉代的日常生活习惯、溷厕的建筑结构有关,溷厕也是古人在修建宅院时有意留下的"后门"。借此方便之门,古人"钻穴""逾墙"之风甚远。

During the Han-era, toilets were not only constructed just for urination, defecation and manure accumulation but Chinese people sometimes attempted to escape through the restroom when their life was in immediate danger. Thus, climbing the low wall above the latrine and squeezing through the “Cedou” Hole have a long tradition. This fascinating phenomenon was possible because of the deliberate architectural design of lavatories during that time which allowed residents to get away conveniently.