Archaeologists Reveal Medieval Poop Still Smells
Recently, several Medieval wooden barrels were unearthed in Denmark and inside those containers was none other than human feces, which is said to still smell horrible.
Those who wonder if ancient poop still smells now have an answer. According to archaeologists, it does in fact stink.
Recently, several Medieval wooden barrels were unearthed in Denmark and inside those containers was none other than human feces, which is said to be in ‘excellent’ condition.
The 700-year-old barrels had originally been used to transport goods, but they later were recycled to serve as makeshift toilets or latrines. In addition to knowing first hand that old excrement is less-than-pleasant smelling, the archaeologists also learned what the people of Denmark ate during the Middle Ages.
The woman who led the excavation, Maria Elisabeth Lauridsen elaborated on the meals, stating ‘Preliminary results of analysis show that raspberries were popular in Odense in the 1300s. The contents also contain small pieces of moss, leather and fabric which were used as toilet paper.’
The poop filled barrels were found on a Medieval site which also holds half timbered homes, stables and brick residences, so the hypothesis is that the barrels served as a communal toilet.
Other barrels have also been found stacked on top of one another, serving as a well, which the archaeologists predict was used for beer brewing.
Those who wonder if ancient poop still smells now have an answer. According to archaeologists, it does in fact stink.
Recently, several Medieval wooden barrels were unearthed in Denmark and inside those containers was none other than human feces, which is said to be in ‘excellent’ condition.
The 700-year-old barrels had originally been used to transport goods, but they later were recycled to serve as makeshift toilets or latrines. In addition to knowing first hand that old excrement is less-than-pleasant smelling, the archaeologists also learned what the people of Denmark ate during the Middle Ages.
The woman who led the excavation, Maria Elisabeth Lauridsen elaborated on the meals, stating ‘Preliminary results of analysis show that raspberries were popular in Odense in the 1300s. The contents also contain small pieces of moss, leather and fabric which were used as toilet paper.’
The poop filled barrels were found on a Medieval site which also holds half timbered homes, stables and brick residences, so the hypothesis is that the barrels served as a communal toilet.
Other barrels have also been found stacked on top of one another, serving as a well, which the archaeologists predict was used for beer brewing.
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