Lloyds Bank coprolite

Lloyds Bank coprolite is a large fossilized human excrement that was discovered in 1972 in York, England, during excavations for a new building for Lloyds Bank. Measuring 20 centimeters (8 in) long and 5 centimeters (2 in) wide, it is the largest example of fossilized human feces ever found. The coprolite has been dated back to the 9th century and provides significant insight into the diet and health of the Vikings in England during that period.

Discovery

The Lloyds Bank coprolite was discovered by archaeologists from the York Archaeological Trust in the area of York known as Coppergate, a site that has yielded a wealth of archaeological finds dating back to the Viking occupation of the city. The coprolite was found beneath the site of a Viking settlement, suggesting that it originated from a human living in that era.

Analysis

Extensive analysis of the coprolite has been conducted to determine its composition and to glean information about the diet and health of the individual who produced it. The analysis revealed that the diet of the person was high in meat and bread, indicating a relatively high-status diet for the time. The presence of several hundred parasitic eggs, including those of the whipworm, tapeworm, and maw worm, suggests that the individual suffered from intestinal worms, a common health issue in the medieval period.

Significance

The Lloyds Bank coprolite is significant for several reasons. Firstly, its size and preservation state are extraordinary, making it a rare and valuable find for archaeologists and paleontologists. Secondly, the analysis of the coprolite provides direct evidence of the diet and health conditions of people living in Viking-age England, offering insights into their daily lives, the foods they ate, and the health challenges they faced.

Preservation and Display

After its discovery and analysis, the Lloyds Bank coprolite was preserved and is now on display at the JORVIK Viking Centre in York. The coprolite is one of the center's most famous exhibits, attracting attention from both the scientific community and the general public for its size, age, and the unique insights it offers into Viking-age life.

See Also

• Paleofeces
• Archaeology of York
• Viking Age
• Fossil