For the first time, scientists have found organic remains of hallucinogenic plants in an artifact from Ancient Egypt. A study of a 2,200-year-old ceramic vessel dedicated to the god Bes confirmed that ancient Egyptians used psychoactive beverages in religious and magical rituals. The study was published in the journal Nature.
The vessel, decorated with the image of Bes, the Egyptian god of music, joy and dreams, was found south of modern Cairo and dates back to B.C. It dates back to the 2nd century. to. It contains traces of three plants with hallucinogenic properties: blue water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), Syrian rue (Peganum harmala), and a plant from the genus Cleome.
Human proteins were also found in the remains of the drink; This likely refers to fluids such as breast milk, blood or mucus, which carry symbolic meaning.
Rituals involving alcohol may have been associated with magical rites performed in the so-called “Bes chambers” at Saqqara near the pyramids of Giza. These rites are thought to involve the activation of visions and could be used to predict a successful pregnancy, for example.
“The combination of various ingredients, including hallucinogens, may have served to create a religious experience during the ritual,” says researcher Branko van Oppen.
The findings confirm that myths about Iblis using drink to appease the gods may have a scientific basis. It also sheds light on little-known rituals of Ancient Egypt. The researchers hope that a similar analysis of other Bes vessels will help better understand how widely such drinks were used and what purposes these rituals served.
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Source: Gazeta
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