What did archaeologists discover about Roman medical treatments?

Archaeologists discovered physical evidence that ancient Romans used human feces in medical treatments, with residues found in a second-century glass bottle.

What was inside the ancient Roman glass bottle found by researchers?

The second-century glass bottle contained human feces, thyme, and olive oil, suggesting a medicinal preparation.

Does this discovery relate to modern medical practices?

Yes, the findings support the ancient knowledge of 'fecal transfer,' a practice similar to modern microbiota-based therapies for ailments like recurrent bacterial infections.

Home / Science / Roman Feces Remedy Found: Ancient Medical Breakthrough

Roman Feces Remedy Found: Ancient Medical Breakthrough

10 Feb

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Summary

Archaeologists found physical evidence of Romans using human feces medicinally.
A second-century glass bottle contained feces, thyme, and olive oil.
The find supports ancient texts describing fecal matter as potent medicine.

Roman Feces Remedy Found: Ancient Medical Breakthrough

Archaeological evidence unearthed in Turkey confirms that ancient Romans utilized human feces in medical treatments. Researchers discovered residues within a second-century glass bottle, identified as containing human feces, thyme, and olive oil. This artifact provides the first physical documentation of a practice previously described only in ancient Roman texts.

This finding aligns with historical accounts detailing the use of human and animal feces for a range of conditions, from infections to reproductive disorders. The thyme likely served to mask odors and offer antibacterial benefits, as no noticeable smell was detected upon opening the bottle.

This archaeological discovery validates Galen's medical preparations and demonstrates that 'fecal transfer,' a practice now recognized in modern medicine for its microbiota benefits, was known in antiquity. The find also suggests that small glass vessels, often assumed to hold perfumes, might have served medicinal purposes, broadening the scope of archaeological inquiry into Roman artifacts.