What health problems did Roman soldiers at Hadrian's Wall face?

Roman soldiers at Hadrian's Wall suffered from diarrhea due to ancient intestinal parasites like whipworms, roundworms, and Giardia duodenalis.

How did ancient parasites affect Roman soldiers?

These parasites caused diarrhea, malnutrition, and weakened soldiers, reducing their fitness for duty near Hadrian's Wall.

What sanitation methods did the Romans use at Vindolanda?

Romans at Vindolanda had communal toilets with plumbing and sewers, but used shared 'tersorium' sponges, likely spreading infections.

Home / Science / Roman Soldiers Battled Diarrhea Near Hadrian's Wall

Roman Soldiers Battled Diarrhea Near Hadrian's Wall

19 Dec

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Summary

Ancient parasites found in Roman fort drains caused diarrhea.
Infections weakened soldiers, impacting their fitness for duty.
Roman sanitation was advanced but failed to prevent parasite spread.

Roman Soldiers Battled Diarrhea Near Hadrian's Wall

Evidence suggests Roman soldiers defending Hadrian's Wall around 2,000 years ago contended with significant health challenges, specifically diarrhea. Scientists analyzing sediment from sewer drains at the Vindolanda fort uncovered remnants of three types of intestinal parasites: whipworms, roundworms, and Giardia duodenalis. These infections, transmitted through contaminated food, drink, or hands due to ineffective sanitation, would have caused malnutrition and weakened the soldiers, reducing their fitness for duty.

The findings, published in the journal Parasitology, highlight the persistence of symptoms due to limited Roman medical interventions for such parasitic infections. While the Romans pioneered communal toilets with plumbing and sewers, the use of communal cleaning tools like the 'tersorium' likely facilitated disease transmission. This research aligns with similar discoveries at other Roman military sites across the Empire, underscoring the common gastrointestinal risks faced by legionaries.