Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered human feces in a 1900-year-old glass jar that was likely used to store perfumes or elixirs. This finding is significant because it may represent the first physical evidence supporting the historical accounts of Roman practices that involved using feces for medicinal purposes. Previously, the knowledge of such practices was derived solely from ancient Roman texts, which described the application of excrement on the skin as a treatment for infections and inflammations.

The research was conducted by archeologist Cenker Atila, who specializes in ancient perfumes at the University of Sivas Republic in Turkey. Together with colleagues, Atila was examining the contents of hundreds of jars collected at the Bergama Museum, near the ruins of the ancient city of Pergamon in western Turkey. In one particular jar, analyzed by pharmacologist Ilker Demirbolat, the content included human feces as well as thyme oil, further indicating the jar's medicinal use. The precise excavation site of this jar remains unknown; however, it is noteworthy that Pergamon was home to a well-known hospital in antiquity.

This discovery adds a new dimension to our understanding of ancient Roman medicine and practices, showing that they may have utilized unconventional ingredients in their therapeutic approaches. As researchers continue to analyze similar artifacts, we may uncover more about their health practices and how they managed ailments in their complex medical systems.