Human waste in Roman medicine? First physical evidence found in ancient vessel causes 'immense excitement'

Researchers recently unveiled proof that Romans used a surprising ingredient in their medical treatments — and it's far from sanitary.

The research focuses on a vessel that was unearthed in Pergamon, originally a Greek city that was conquered by the Romans in 133 B.C. The site is now located in İzmir Province, in western Turkey.

While the vessel appeared ordinary, it was later found to have served a medical purpose. Researchers identified "dark brownish flakes" in the residue — which were determined to be fecal matter.