Close-up image of a 3-D replica of the Egyptian Bes mug used in the study. (Credit: Cassidy Delamarter)
TAMPA — How long have psychedelics been around? A recent study finds one of the most famous civilizations in history may have been using hallucinogens in their ancient rituals. For the first time, archaeologists have uncovered physical evidence of psychedelics in an Egyptian mug.
Only a few Egyptian mugs decorated with the head of Bes — an Egyptian god or guardian demon involved in protection, fertility, medicinal healing, and magical purification — have survived throughout all these centuries. The purpose of these 2,000-year-old mugs has continued to puzzle archaeologists.
However, the study published in Scientific Reports chemically analyzed layers extracted from Egyptian Bes mugs and found what researchers are calling a “cocktail of psychedelic drugs.” The new findings provide better insight into poorly understood rituals and myths documented about ancient Egyptian civilization.
“There’s no research out there that has ever found what we found in this study,” says Davide Tanasi, a professor and director of the Institute for Digital Exploration at the University of South Florida, in a media release. “For the first time, we were able to identify all the chemical signatures of the components of the liquid concoction contained in the Tampa Museum of Art’s Bes mug, including the plants used by Egyptians, all of which have psychotropic and medicinal properties.”
Study authors note that it’s been hard to define the exact purpose of the Bes mugs because they appear to have been used for different reasons over a long period of time. Egyptologists have made several guesses about what was poured into these mugs, including sacred water, milk, wine, and beer. However, it was also unknown whether these decorative mugs served a higher purpose for religious ceremonies or sacred rituals.
The current study extracted the ingredients left on a Bes mug by scraping the inner walls of the vase. Chemical and DNA analysis showed the cup contained a mix of psychedelic drugs, bodily fluids, and alcohol. According to Tanasi, the ingredients were likely used in a magical ritual to worship the Egyptian god Bes, likely to encourage fertility. Along with the hallucinogens, researchers also found traces of honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes, possibly making the drink look like blood.
“Egyptologists believe that people visited the so-called Bes Chambers at Saqqara when they wished to confirm a successful pregnancy because pregnancies in the ancient world were fraught with dangers,” explains Branko van Oppen, a curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art. “So, this combination of ingredients may have been used in a dream-vision inducing magic ritual within the context of this dangerous period of childbirth.”
Paper Summary
Methodology
The researchers examined a Ptolemaic-era Egyptian ritual vase using advanced scientific techniques. They used tools like proteomics, metabolomics, and DNA sequencing to analyze the remnants of ancient substances inside the vase. These methods allowed them to identify proteins, genetic material, and chemical compounds to uncover the vase’s contents and purpose.
They also utilized high-tech imaging and spectroscopy to study physical residues, ensuring precise identification of organic and inorganic components. By combining these cutting-edge techniques, the team could piece together a detailed picture of the ritualistic uses of the vase.
Key Results
The study revealed a fascinating mixture of substances. Inside the vase were traces of plants like Syrian rue and blue water lily, known for their psychoactive properties. They also found evidence of honey, fermented fruit liquids, and human fluids like blood and breast milk, suggesting ritualistic significance. These findings imply the vase may have been used to prepare or hold a concoction with medicinal, psychotropic, and spiritual significance, tying directly to ancient Egyptian practices and beliefs about health, fertility, and protection.
Study Limitations
While the study provided many insights, there were challenges. The methods used for detecting proteins and DNA in ancient materials can sometimes result in degraded or incomplete data. Additionally, some compounds identified are common in various plants, making it hard to pinpoint their exact sources. The vase’s lack of precise archaeological context also limits the conclusions about its usage. Finally, the findings represent just one vase, so the results may not apply to all similar artifacts.
Discussion & Takeaways
This research highlights how the ancient Egyptians integrated psychoactive and medicinal plants into their rituals. The inclusion of human biological materials points to practices deeply rooted in symbolism and spirituality. The results not only enhance our understanding of Egyptian rituals but also show how modern science can decode the past. This study opens the door for further exploration into the connections between ancient artifacts, cultural practices, and natural resource utilization.
Funding & Disclosures
The research was conducted collaboratively by an international team of archaeologists, chemists, and biologists from institutions such as the University of South Florida, the University of Trieste, and other scientific organizations.
While the journal does not specify direct grants or external funding sources, the study benefited from the infrastructure and resources provided by these institutions, including access to advanced analytical equipment like synchrotron radiation-based FTIR spectroscopy and Orbitrap HRMS. It also utilized specialized laboratories for proteomic and DNA analysis. No conflicts of interest or financial disclosures were reported by the researchers, ensuring the integrity and objectivity of the findings.
