Archaeologists in Germany report recovering an exceptionally well-preserved medieval notebook from a latrine dating to the late Middle Ages. The find includes a roughly 10-page wax notebook inscribed with Latin text, along with a leather carrying case. Researchers say the notebook is still legible despite its long burial in waste deposits. The excavation also produced scraps of silk that are believed to have been used as decorative or higher-status toilet paper. According to the reporting, the silk fragments appear to have been intentionally placed or deposited in the latrine area rather than representing incidental textile debris, though the exact use is inferred from context and preservation. The notebook’s presence in the latrine suggests it was either dropped or discarded in the area and later became preserved in the anaerobic conditions typical of waterlogged or sealed waste pits. Scientists emphasize the importance of the find for understanding everyday literacy and material culture in medieval Europe, particularly through a document that remains readable after centuries underground.
Medieval latrine in Germany yields legible 800-year-old notebook and silk scraps
Archaeologists in Germany report recovering an exceptionally well-preserved medieval notebook from a latrine dating to the late Middle Ages. The find includes a roughly 10-page wax notebook inscribed...
- Archaeologists recover a wax notebook with Latin writing from a medieval latrine site in Germany.
- The notebook is about 10 pages long and remains legible despite its age.
- A leather case for the notebook is found with the written material.
- Silk scraps are discovered at the same latrine, described as possible “fancy” toilet paper based on context.
- The latrine dates to the late Middle Ages, roughly 700–800 years ago.
Archaeologists recovered the 10-page wax notebook with Latin writing and its leather carrying case from a medieval latrine in Germany.
3 months agoAn ‘exceptionally well-preserved’ notebook pulled from a late Middle Ages latrine was found alongside silk scraps believed to once be fancy toilet paper.
3 months ago
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