Bronze Age folks in Menorca, Spain took psychedelics in a cave, according to a recent study published in the Scientific Reports journal.
Researchers analysed strands of 3000-year-old human hair from a cave burial site in the region, and the results show that these ancient Europeans used hallucinogenic drugs derived from plants as part of their ritualistic ceremonies.
This groundbreaking discovery is the first direct evidence of ancient drug use in Europe.
Hair samples
Three hair samples from the Menorca site showed traces of scopolamine, ephedrine, and atropine, which are naturally found in certain plant families and can induce delirium, hallucinations, and altered sensory perception.
The study authors explained that the handling, use, and applications of these alkaloids required highly-specialised knowledge, typically possessed by shamans.
The presence of these substances in the hair samples might have been due to the consumption of some nightshade plants, such as mandrake, henbane, or thorn apple, and joint pine.
Shamanic rituals
The researchers suggest that these drug plants might have been used as part of ritual ceremonies performed by shamans.
The concentric circles found on the wooden containers where the samples were discovered may have depicted eyes and could have been a metaphor for inner vision related to a drug-induced altered state of consciousness.
Due to cultural changes around 2,800 years ago, the authors speculate the containers were sealed in the cave chamber in order to preserve these ancient traditions.
The study adds to the previous evidence of prehistoric drug use in Europe, which was based on indirect evidence such as the detection of opium alkaloids in Bronze Age containers, the finding of remains of drug plants in ritualistic contexts, and the appearance of drug plants in artistic depictions.
It’s fascinating to think that people have been getting high on hallucinogens for thousands of years. Who knows what other secrets the past is hiding?
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