Archaeologists discovered a 13th-century wax notebook and silk fragments believed to be toilet paper in a medieval latrine in Paderborn, Germany [1, 4].
The discovery provides a rare glimpse into the daily habits, commerce, and personal hygiene of the Middle Ages. Because latrines often act as time capsules, they preserve organic materials that usually decay in other environments [3, 4].
The recovered item is a 10-page wax notebook [1] housed in a leather case. Despite being buried for between 700 [2] and 800 years [1], the Latin writing on the wax pages remains legible [4]. The notebook was found alongside scraps of silk, which researchers said were used as high-end toilet paper [2].
Experts said that while medieval latrines are often rich archaeological deposits, finding a complete book in such a state is unusual. Archaeologists said medieval latrines are “almost always a treasure pit,” but even they are stunned to find a complete book [3].
The use of silk for hygiene suggests the owner of the notebook may have been a person of significant wealth or status. Such luxury materials were not common for the general population during the 13th century [1, 2].
The notebook's survival is attributed to the specific anaerobic conditions of the latrine, which prevented the leather and wax from decomposing. This find allows historians to study the specific types of records kept by individuals, possibly merchants, during the late Middle Ages [3, 4].
“Archaeologists said medieval latrines are ‘almost always a treasure pit’”
This discovery highlights the disparity in medieval living standards and the utility of urban waste sites for historical research. The presence of silk—a luxury import—alongside a Latin wax notebook suggests the site was used by a literate, affluent individual, offering a rare intersection of socioeconomic data and personal artifacts from the 13th century.
