Ancient Roman 'Ama' Remedy Reveals Shocking Ingredients in 1,900-Year-Old Bottle

Ancient Roman bottles from a museum in western Turkey have revealed traces of a bizarre medical remedy. Inside one vessel, researchers discovered a mix of essential oils and human excrement. The findings suggest that this unusual concoction, known as an 'ama' in ancient medical news today, was once used for healing purposes over 1,900 years ago.

The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, examined residues in a 1,900-year-old bottle from Pergamon. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of aromatic compounds—likely thyme or oregano—alongside human faeces. Such ingredients were not uncommon in ancient medicine, as noted by physicians like Hippokrates and Pliny the Elder.

Ancient texts describe the use of human and animal dung for treating infections, reproductive issues, and other ailments. Galen, another prominent Greek physician, also referenced faecal remedies in his writings. The research team, including a medical historian, an archaeologist, and a chemist, pieced together the bottle's contents and their possible uses.

Initially, the researchers considered recreating the remedy for participants to smell and taste. However, they abandoned the idea due to the unappealing nature of the ingredients.

The discovery provides physical proof of ancient medical practices once thought lost to time. While the exact purpose of the remedy remains uncertain, the findings align with historical accounts of faecal-based treatments. The study highlights how far medical knowledge has evolved since the Roman era.