It may sound unbelievable, but the largest human poop in history is worth $39,000 and is considered an archaeological treasure!
This poop, which dates back to the 9th century AD, is believed to have come from a Viking in Jorvik (now Yorkshire, England). Although it looks quite… “unpleasant”, it is a precious fossil, discovered by archaeologists at Lloyds Bank in 1972.
This poop is famous not only for its size but also for its scientific value. Dr. Andrew Jones, an archaeologist, valued it at $39,000 in 1991, claiming that it was as valuable as a crown jewel.
This poop could be living evidence of the diet and health of Vikings centuries ago. Scientists have found that the feces contain eggs of roundworms and whipworms, which are common parasites in humans at the time.
The feces also suggest that the Vikings may have suffered from parasitic gastrointestinal disease, and may have even been so infected with roundworms that they came out of body orifices, including their eyes!
Fossilized feces not only reveal the Vikings’ diet, but also help scientists study the evolution of parasites and humans. This suggests that feces could provide us with important information about the lives of our ancestors.
Although the study of feces is still not widely accepted, experts like Dr. Jones believe that it can reveal a lot about our history and evolution. Fossilized feces is not just waste, but an important piece of the puzzle in understanding ancient human life and the development of parasites.