Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery beneath a future Lloyds Bank branch in York, England. The 1972 excavation uncovered a fossilized human excrement from the Viking era, providing valuable insights into life in the 9th century.
The coprolite, measuring 20 cm in length and 5 cm in width, is believed to belong to a Viking who lived in Jórvík, present-day York. Its preservation was due to unique anaerobic conditions beneath the ground, preventing decay and allowing it to survive for over a millennium.
Analysis of the coprolite has revealed a rare glimpse into the Vikings’ dietary habits. The excrement contains undigested fiber from bran, indicating a diet rich in whole grains, as well as traces of animal protein like meat. However, there is no evidence of fruits and vegetables, suggesting an imbalanced diet that may have led to health issues.
The coprolite also provides insight into the health conditions of the time. Researchers found eggs of parasitic worms, including whipworms and roundworms, which were common in ancient populations. This highlights poor sanitation and hygiene practices prevalent during the Viking age.
This remarkable discovery is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of its kind. Its value lies not only in its rarity but also in the wealth of information it provides about Viking life. The coprolite is now housed at the JORVIK Viking Centre, offering a unique perspective on health, diet, and social conditions from over 1,000 years ago.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/largest-fossilized-human-feces-ever-found