DiscoverHistory Extra podcastThe problem with poo: a millennium of manure
The problem with poo: a millennium of manure

The problem with poo: a millennium of manure

Update: 2025-11-19
Share

Description

When did poo become a problem? Why was manure so important in the medieval economy? And why don't we have vacuum-powered sewers? All these questions – and more – are answered in this brief history of both animal and human manure. David Musgrove speaks to Richard Jones to find out more.




The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

The problem with poo: a millennium of manure

The problem with poo: a millennium of manure

Immediate Media