800-year-old notebook found miraculously well-preserved in medieval toilet

Archaeologists in Paderborn, Germany, uncovered a 700–800-year-old medieval notebook preserved in waterlogged soil inside a medieval toilet.

Made of leather, wood, and wax, the notebook is unusually well preserved and is being carefully cleaned and transcribed.

Researchers believe it likely belonged to a merchant and may contain Latin text with clues about trade and everyday life.

The find could offer rare insight into literacy and daily life in medieval Westphalia.