Although the Romans were recognized for their sophisticated sanitation systems, those stationed in major forts in northern England likely endured numerous digestive illnesses caused by parasites.

The Vindolanda Fortress, situated close to Hadrian’s Wall and inhabited by Roman soldiers from the 1st to 4th century AD, was likely not suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs, as excavations of waste pits at this location indicate.

Piers Mitchell and his team from the University of Cambridge collected and examined nearly 60 sediment samples from the communal toilets believed to have been utilized in the 3rd century.

Utilizing microscopy, they discovered the eggs of two intestinal parasites: roundworms and whipworms. Additionally, they identified a one-celled parasite called duodenal giardia through specific antibodies that bind exclusively to proteins found in this organism.

All three parasites can lead to gastrointestinal issues, which can be particularly severe for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

“Even with our efforts to implement Roman conveniences like baths and toilets, we still faced diarrhea and intestinal parasitic diseases,” Mitchell remarked.

Structures such as toilets, baths, aqueducts, and fountains primarily served to enhance air quality and maintain visible cleanliness, he explains. “They lacked microscopes and therefore were unaware of many infections that plagued them.”

Excavations at another nearby fort, occupied in the 1st century AD and believed to have defensive ditches, also revealed roundworms and whipworms.

“The contents of the sewage drains consist of mixed fecal matter from various individuals utilizing the toilets, making it difficult to determine the infection rate among soldiers,” Mitchell states. “However, the presence of parasite eggs along the sewer drains implies that a considerable number of individuals using the facilities were likely infected.”

Roundworms and whipworms are also found throughout the Roman Empire; giardia, however, has only been identified in the Roman contexts in Turkey and Italy, according to Mitchell.

If asked whether he would like a glass of water during the time the fort was operational, he would certainly decline. “They might say, ‘How about a beer instead?'”

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