The egg of a parasite normally found mainly in Africa has been discovered in the remains of a medieval cesspool in Bruges (West Flanders). The presence of the parasite proves that Bruges was an important hub for international trade for over 500 years. The parasite may have arrived in Bruges via Spanish merchants who sold gold, ivory and spices there.
The Schistosoma mansoni parasite is a kind of worm that enters our skin as a larva, from contaminated water. The parasite then travels to our intestines and other places of the body. It also affects organs, sometimes leading to death. In Africa, schistosomiasis occurs more often. It is the second most deadly parasitic disease, after malaria. In Europe, the parasite is much rarer.
The discovery of a Schistosoma mansoni egg in a 500-year-old Bruges cesspit is remarkable. The cesspool itself was discovered almost 30 years ago during excavations in the Spanjaardstraat. But it was only recently that remains contained in it were examined using new techniques. That happened as a result of collaboration between UGent and a Canadian university. At Ghent university, a project on the vanished Zwin ports is currently under way. The Zwin was a waterway that connected the twons of Bruges and Damme to the North Sea before it silted up in the Middle Ages. Among other things, scientists are looking at the way of life of foreign merchants in the Zwin area, also in Bruges.
Cesspool belonging to Spanish traders
Research at Ghent university shows that the cesspool was probably used by Spanish traders in the Middle Ages. It is thought the intestinal parasite was brought to Bruges by them. The Spaniards sold products they brought with them from Africa, including spices, gold and ivory, although it cannot be ruled out that someone of African descent brought the parasite to the city. The first mention of an African in Bruges dates back from 1440.
Organic remains give surprising insight
Researching organic remains to gain insight into history is still relatively new but will gain importance in the future. ‘Whereas the focus used to be on pottery and metal objects, we are now also looking at organic material to learn more about the diet, health, hygiene and mobility of past populations,’ says UGent professor Koen Deforce. Archaeologist Maxime Poulain adds: ‘The discovery of that parasite’s egg in Bruges not only gives new insight into the daily life of the population back then, but also shows how Bruges was an international hub for people, goods and ideas, but also ensured the spread of diseases.’
A Canadian researcher will now continue to investigate the parasite's genetics. By comparing these with modern variants, she hopes to gain more insight into how diseases are affected over time by migration.