Scientists in Turkey have discovered that ancient Romans may have used human poo as medicine. The finding comes from a 1,900-year-old sealed glass bottle found in Pergamon, a Roman city in what is now western Turkey.
Inside the small bottle, known as an unguentarium, researchers found dark brown flakes. After studying the flakes closely, they discovered they were made of human faeces. This is the first solid proof that ancient people may have used poo for medical treatments.
The bottle was likely used to hold medicines, oils, or perfumes. Scientists believe the poo may have been used to treat swelling or infections. Although this might sound strange today, people in the past used many natural materials for healing.
The researchers also found traces of thyme in the bottle. Thyme is a fragrant herb that contains a substance called carvacrol. This may have been added to make the mixture smell better.
Professor Cenker Atila, who led the research, said the bottle gives us new insight into ancient Roman medicine. The study was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
