Ancient Romans used human poo as medicine, scientists say

A new study has found that the ancient Romans might have used human poo as medicine.

The discovery was made in Turkey, after scientists discovered "dark brownish flakes" in a 1,900-year-old bottle.

Experts say it's the first solid evidence of human poo being used as a medical treatment.

They also found thyme in the ancient flask, suggesting that the fragrant herb was added to act as an air freshener to cover up the smell!

The 1,900-year-old small glass bottle - called a 'unguentarium' - was originally found sealed with clay in the ancient city of Pergamon, which is located near the modern-day town of Izmir in western Turkey.

These types of bottles were typically used for storing store oils, perfumes and medicines during Roman times.

In the study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, Turkish scientists describe taking a sample of the "dark brownish flakes" from the neck of the bottle, which they were then able to study closely to find out what they were.

The team, led by Professor Cenker Atila, an archaeologist at Sivas Cumhuriyet University in Turkey, were surprised to discover that the flakes were in fact made from human poo.

Experts think they may have been used as an ancient treatment to treat inflammation or infection.

The team also identified a substance called carvacrol in the bottle, which is found in herbs such as thyme - which they believe was used as an air freshener to cover up the smell of the poo.