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Viking’s 1,200-Year-Old “Mega Poop” Becomes One of History’s Strangest Treasures
In one of the most bizarre yet fascinating archaeological discoveries ever made, the largest known fossilised human “poop” was found in York—and it’s believed to have been left behind by a Viking more than 1,200 years ago.
The remarkable find, officially known as the Lloyds Bank Coprolite, was unearthed in 1972 during excavations beneath a construction site for a bank in the historic city. What workers initially stumbled upon turned out to be a perfectly preserved piece of human waste dating back to the 9th century, when York—then known as Jórvík—was a major Viking settlement.
A record-breaking relic
Measuring around 20cm (8 inches) long and 5cm (2 inches) wide, the specimen is widely considered the largest intact fossilised human faeces ever discovered.
While it might sound more like a joke than a scientific breakthrough, experts say the coprolite is an incredibly valuable piece of history. In fact, one archaeologist famously described it as being “as irreplaceable as the Crown Jewels” due to the insights it offers into life during the Viking era.
What it reveals about the Viking
Far from being just an odd curiosity, the fossil has given scientists a rare look into the diet and health of the person who produced it.
Analysis revealed that the Viking likely ate a diet rich in meat and bread, with little evidence of fruits or vegetables. Even more striking, the specimen contained parasite eggs, suggesting the individual suffered from intestinal worms—common in that period.
This has helped historians build a clearer picture of everyday life in Viking Britain, highlighting not just what people ate, but the hygiene and health challenges they faced.
Preserved by chance
The survival of the coprolite is down to unique environmental conditions. Normally, human waste decomposes quickly, but in this case it was preserved in wet, peaty soil, which allowed it to fossilise rather than decay.
Today, the unusual artefact is displayed at the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, where it continues to attract curious visitors from around the world.
A strange but valuable piece of history
While it may raise eyebrows—or noses—the Viking coprolite has become one of archaeology’s most talked-about finds. It serves as a reminder that history isn’t just about kings, battles, and treasure—sometimes, it’s about the everyday realities of life… even the most unexpected ones.
Attached is a news article regarding the oldest fossil poop found that was left by a Viking
https://explorersweb.com/fossilized-viking-poo-worlds-most-valuable-excrement/
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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