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Roman Soldiers at Hadrian's Wall Battled Chronic Parasites
Researchers found roundworm, whipworm, and Giardia parasites in 28% of sewer samples at Vindolanda, indicating widespread intestinal infections among Roman soldiers and occupants.
- Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Oxford found in Parasitology on Dec. 19 that a nine meter sewer drain from a third‑century communal latrine at Vindolanda contained roundworm and whipworm eggs and traces of Giardia duodenalis.
- Because Vindolanda's waterlogged soils preserve organic remains, archaeologists targeted the fort's sewer deposits and latrines, whose infrastructure preserved sewage and spread fecal-oral pathogens.
- Researchers collected 58 sediment samples along the latrine drain and split them between laboratories at Cambridge and Oxford, where they micro‑sieved and examined samples microscopically and used ELISA testing to detect Giardia proteins in one sample.
- The authors warned the parasites could cause malnutrition and reduced fitness for duty, with Dr. Piers Mitchell saying `Diarrhea can lead to dehydration in all age groups, but it is young children who are most likely to die from it.`
- As the first record of Giardia in Roman Britain, the discovery of Giardia duodenalis prompts questions; Dr. Piers Mitchell cautioned prevalence is uncertain, urging tests of pre-Roman sites.
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Tiny Hints of Soldier Stomach Troubles in Roman Britain
Roman soldiers stationed at a fort called Vindolanda in what’s now northern England—not far from the famous Hadrian’s Wall—seem to have run into some pretty severe tummy troubles. Nautilus Members enjoy an ad-free experience. Log in or Join now . Previously, scientists have dug up evidence of parasites that wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal system at several Roman military settlements, including archeological sites in Austria, Scotland, and S…
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Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsRoman soldiers defending Hadrian’s Wall had intestinal parasites
Excavations of sewer drains at a Roman fort in northern England have revealed the presence of several parasites that can cause debilitating illness in humans
·Baltimore, United States
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Leaning Left8Leaning Right2Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
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C 55%
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