Overview
- Researchers analyzing residue in a glass unguentarium from 2nd‑century Pergamon identified human feces consistent with a medicinal preparation.
- Chemical markers also showed thyme and olive oil, ingredients noted in ancient recipes that could mask odor and provide antibacterial effects.
- The findings, led by Sivas Cumhuriyet University archaeologist Cenker Atila, were published January 19 in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
- An external expert from Oxford described the study as scientifically convincing while calling for clearer archaeological context about the vessel’s original findspot.
- The coverage draws measured parallels to modern fecal microbiota therapies, noting two FDA‑approved products for preventing recurrent bacterial colon infections.