Scientists have uncovered evidence of intestinal parasites in sediments from a Roman fort near Hadrian's Wall, highlighting poor sanitation among soldiers. The findings include roundworm, whipworm, and the first confirmed case of Giardia in Roman Britain. These infections likely caused chronic health issues despite the presence of sewers and latrines.
At the Roman fort of Vindolanda, situated near Hadrian's Wall in northern England, researchers analyzed sediments from ancient sewer drains to reveal a hidden health crisis among the soldiers stationed there. The fort, part of the Roman Empire's northern frontier built in the early 2nd century AD, was defended by troops from across the empire until the late 4th century.
The study focused on a 3rd-century CE sewer connected to a communal latrine in a bath complex. From 50 sediment samples collected along the nine-meter drain, about 28% contained eggs of roundworm (up to 30 cm long) or whipworm (about 5 cm). One sample showed both worms and, through ELISA testing, confirmed Giardia duodenalis—a microscopic parasite causing severe diarrhea. An earlier sample from a 1st-century CE defensive ditch, dated 85-92 CE, also had roundworm and whipworm eggs.
These fecal-oral parasites spread via contaminated food, water, or hands, leading to diarrhea, malnutrition, nausea, and cramping. "The three types of parasites we found could have led to malnutrition and cause diarrhea in some of the Roman soldiers," said Dr. Marissa Ledger of the University of Cambridge. Dr. Piers Mitchell, a senior author, noted that Giardia outbreaks could cause dehydration and fatigue, potentially worsening with other pathogens like Salmonella.
Despite communal latrines and sewers, infections persisted, mirroring patterns at other Roman sites such as Carnuntum in Austria and Bearsden in Scotland. Urban centers like London showed more varied parasites. Vindolanda's waterlogged soil has preserved artifacts like over 1,000 wooden tablets and 5,000 leather shoes, offering insights into frontier life.
The research, conducted by teams from Cambridge and Oxford and published in Parasitology in 2025, underscores the hardships on Rome's edge. Dr. Patrik Flammer observed that even with sanitation infrastructure, soldiers infected each other easily.
