1,800-year-old feces reveal disease and hygiene linked to Roman Empire in Bulgaria

Researchers analyzed hardened residues from Roman chamber pots at Novae and Marcianopolis in Bulgaria.

They found parasite evidence including Taenia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba histolytica.

The findings point to widespread intestinal infections and poor sanitation in Moesia Inferior.

The study offers rare direct evidence on hygiene, diet, and disease in a little-studied Roman province.