Roman Fort Excavations Reveal Parasites and Ancient Military Life

Excavations of sewer drains at the Roman fort Vindolanda, located near Hadrian's Wall in northern England, have revealed the presence of several intestinal parasites affecting the soldiers stationed there.

Research led by Piers Mitchell from the University of Cambridge involved analyzing nearly 60 sediment samples from a latrine drain believed to be in use during the 3rd century. The findings included eggs of roundworm and whipworm, as well as traces of the single-celled parasite Giardia duodenalis.

These parasites are known to cause gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly severe in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Despite the Romans' advancements in sanitation, including bathhouses and latrines, the soldiers at Vindolanda likely suffered from debilitating digestive ailments.

Mitchell noted that while the infrastructure aimed to improve hygiene, it did not prevent infections, as Romans lacked the understanding of the microscopic organisms causing their ailments. Additional excavations at a nearby fort site occupied in the 1st century also yielded similar results, indicating the widespread nature of these infections among the Roman military.

Although the exact proportion of infected soldiers cannot be determined from the faecal samples, the pervasive presence of parasite eggs suggests a significant impact on the health of those using the latrines.

The study highlights the complex realities of Roman military life and the health challenges faced by soldiers stationed along the northern frontier of the empire. Mitchell emphasized that if he were to visit the fort during its operational period, he would prefer to drink beer over the unsafe water available.