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Facts 04/12/2025 11:11

The Lloyds Bank Coprolite: A Fascinating Insight into Viking Life and Health

The artifact shown in the image is commonly known in the archaeological community as the Lloyds Bank coprolite, a fossilized human excrement unearthed in York, England, in 1972. This specimen has garnered attention due to its remarkable size and the insights it provides into the life of the Viking era, offering a rare glimpse into the biological and dietary habits of the time.

The discovery was made during excavations at the site of Jorvik, the Viking settlement that was established during the ninth century AD. This site, now an essential archaeological and tourist destination, is located in the heart of York. The coprolite was found amid the remains of the settlement, which provided an invaluable opportunity for researchers to study not only Viking culture but also their health and diet. The preservation of this specimen is largely attributed to the unique soil conditions of the area. The waterlogged, peaty soil acted as a natural preservative, preventing the organic material from decomposing and instead allowing it to fossilize over the centuries.

Measuring approximately 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length and 5 centimeters (2 inches) in width, the Lloyds Bank coprolite holds the title of the largest known fossilized human feces ever found. Its size, combined with its age and the context in which it was discovered, makes it a remarkable find in the field of paleoscatology—the study of fossilized excrement.

Scientific analysis of the coprolite has revealed important details about the health and diet of the individual who produced it. Researchers, particularly paleoscatologists, have studied the specimen to gain insights into the Viking's daily life. The coprolite contained traces of pollen and cereal bran, indicating that the person’s diet was heavily based on meat and bread. This suggests that Vikings, despite their reputation as fierce warriors, also relied heavily on agricultural products such as grains for their sustenance.
Cục phân người đắt nhất thế giới. Năm 1972, để xây dựng một chi nhánh mới của Ngân hàng Lloyds ở Yorkshire, Anh, các công nhân xây dựng đã đào được một

However, the coprolite also reveals more concerning information. The specimen was found to be heavily infested with the eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides (the large roundworm) and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm). The abundance of these parasitic eggs in the sample suggests that the individual likely suffered from a severe intestinal infection caused by these worms. Such parasitic infections would have caused considerable gastrointestinal discomfort, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. This discovery highlights the challenges of health and hygiene that people of the Viking age faced, despite their advanced skills in many areas.

The artifact is currently housed at the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, where it remains an important attraction for visitors interested in Viking history. The Jorvik Viking Centre is renowned for its interactive displays and detailed exhibitions, and the coprolite is one of the key pieces that draws attention to the daily realities of Viking life. This specimen's significance extends beyond its size, offering a rare and direct link to the past that is not provided by traditional archaeological finds like tools, weapons, or jewelry.

In 1991, the importance of the coprolite was underscored by paleoscatologist Dr. Andrew Jones, who famously stated that the specimen was as valuable as the crown jewels due to the unparalleled insight it provided into the lives of ancient people. In 2003, the artifact was damaged when it was accidentally dropped during an exhibition, breaking into three pieces. However, it was quickly restored, and it continues to be displayed in its original form.

The Lloyds Bank coprolite serves not only as an exceptional example of fossilized human excrement but also as a tangible, and somewhat graphic, connection to the biological realities of the Viking Age. It provides evidence of the Vikings’ diet, health challenges, and the daily biological processes that are often overlooked in favor of the more celebrated aspects of their culture, such as their exploration, warfare, and craftsmanship. This unique find continues to be a valuable resource for researchers and an intriguing relic for anyone fascinated by the lives of those who lived in the distant past.

Sources:

  • Jones, A. (1991). Paleoscatology and Viking Life: A Study of the Lloyds Bank Coprolite. York Archaeological Journal.

  • "Jorvik Viking Centre." Visit York, 2023.

  • "The History of Coprolites in Archaeology." Archaeology Today, 2022.

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