Ancient Egyptian Vase Reveals Evidence of Hallucinogenic Rituals!
Groundbreaking research has uncovered the first physical evidence of hallucinogenic substances in an ancient Egyptian vase, offering a fascinating glimpse into magical rituals from over 2,000 years ago. This discovery centres on a Bes mug housed at the Tampa Museum of Art and was led by Professor Davide Tanasi from the University of South Florida. The findings, recently published in Scientific Reports, combine state-of-the-art chemical, genetic, and spectroscopic techniques to decode the ingredients of a psychotropic brew likely used in sacred ceremonies.
The Bes Mug: A Clue to Ancient Practices
The 2,200-year-old drinking vessel, adorned with the face of Bes, an ancient Egyptian deity linked to childbirth, protection, and magical purification, dates back to the Ptolemaic-Roman period (4th century BCE to 3rd century CE). The mug’s design suggests its association with fertility and protective practices, yet its precise role had long remained a mystery.
“For a very long time now, Egyptologists have been speculating what mugs with the head of Bes could have been used for,” remarked Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the study. “This research teaches us about magic rituals in the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.”
Through innovative analytical methods, the team revealed that the mug contained a complex mixture of ingredients, including plants with psychotropic properties such as Peganum harmala (wild rue), Egyptian blue lotus (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea), and a plant from the Cleome genus. Additional ingredients—honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, liquorice, and grapes—were used to enhance the liquid’s flavour and colour, giving it the appearance of blood. The presence of fermented fruit-based liquids and proteins further enriched the concoction.
Photo Credit: D. Tanasi et al. Scientific Reports (2024)
Traces of Ritual and Myth
Interestingly, the analysis also detected human bodily fluids, including blood and saliva, indicating their deliberate inclusion. Researchers believe the mixture was consumed in rituals designed to induce hallucinations or prophetic dreams.
The Bes mug may also be tied to the myth of the Solar Eye. In this tale, Bes uses a drug-laced alcoholic drink disguised as blood to calm Hathor, the sky goddess, sending her into a deep sleep to resolve conflict. Rituals involving Bes mugs might have reenacted this myth, combining psychoactive substances with storytelling to create transformative spiritual experiences.
Fertility, Childbirth, and Oracular Visions
The research also highlights the vase’s potential role in childbirth-related rituals. In ancient Egypt, childbirth was perilous, and women often sought divine intervention. The Bes Chambers at Saqqara, near the Great Pyramids of Giza, are thought to have been sanctuaries for women praying for safe pregnancies. The combination of hallucinogenic ingredients could have been used in dream-vision rituals to receive guidance or reassurance during this fraught time. Such rituals may have also included seeking prophetic visions about future outcomes.
A Collaborative Effort in Unveiling History
This remarkable study, conducted as part of the Mediterranean Diet Archaeology project, brought together researchers from the University of South Florida, the University of Trieste, and the University of Milan. By merging cutting-edge science and historical analysis, the team has shed new light on the mystical and spiritual practices of ancient Egypt, offering a richer understanding of how psychoactive substances shaped their rituals and beliefs.
This discovery not only unravels a piece of ancient Egyptian history but also deepens our appreciation for the complexity of their spiritual practices, reminding us of the profound connection between myth, ritual, and human experience.