People from Menorca, an island in the Balearic archipelago, appear to have used hallucinogenic substances around 3000 years ago. The discoveries come from research that has not yet been released publicly. These substances were sourced from several plant species native to the island.
Hairs recovered from a burial cave on Menorca offer clues that the island’s prehistoric residents used medicines derived from local plants and shrubs, according to scientists.
This finding matters because it represents an early piece of Europe’s direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use by people. Researchers say these substances could induce delirium and altered perceptions.
The discovery appears in the journal Scientific Reports and details signs of human activity at Es Càrritx cave, located in the southwest part of Menorca. The site contains more than 200 human graves and roughly spans the period around 600 BCE, with indications that it functioned as a funeral settlement until about 800 BCE.
Researchers suggest the substances carried enough potency to feature in ritual activities conducted within the cave. Such ceremonies might have involved specialists who could help participants manage the effects of herbal remedies.
Three psychoactive substances found in a red-hued hair sample
Analysis of a hair strand dyed red in ancient rituals, believed to originate from more than one individual, revealed three psychoactive compounds.
The analysis identified atropine and scopolamine, compounds known to cause delirium and vivid hallucinations, alongside ephedrine, a stimulant that can raise energy and alertness.
Ceramic vessels found in the cave feature spiral designs on their lids. Some scholars interpret these motifs as symbolic references to altered states of consciousness or figures represented during ritual experiences associated with plant-based substances.
Until now, evidence for prehistoric drug use in Europe largely depended on indirect indicators, such as the appearance of psychoactive plants in artwork and artifacts.
Reference work: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31064-2#Sec7
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