Uncovering Ancient Medical Practices Through Urine Flasks and Landfills in Rome

Archaeologists have found buried medical waste in a Renaissance-era landfill that was once the site of Caesar's Forum in Rome. The landfill was used to bury or discard materials associated with caring for sick people. The researchers found evidence of Renaissance-era medical practices, including disposal of instruments after a single use and disposing of potentially contaminated belongings by burning or burying them. The landfill contained a large array of beads, jars, figurines, coins, and matula—glass urine flasks. Doctors used such flasks to examine urine samples to spot symptoms of diseases such as diabetes or jaundice.