Victoria AdolphusA groundbreaking discovery has shed new light on the use of hallucinogens in ancient Egyptian rituals. A team of researchers led by Professor Davide Tanasi from the University of South Florida has found evidence of psychedelic substances in a 2,000-year-old Egyptian mug.
The mug, which is one of only a few remaining Egyptian Bes mugs, was donated to the Tampa Museum of Art in 1984. The researchers used advanced chemical analysis to identify the presence of hallucinogenic substances, including plants with psychotropic and medicinal properties.
The Significance of Bes Mugs in Ancient Egyptian Culture
Bes mugs have long been a source of fascination for Egyptologists. The presence of these mugs in different contexts over a long period of time made it difficult to speculate on their contents or roles in ancient Egyptian culture.
However, the discovery of psychedelic substances in the Bes mug has provided new insights into the use of these mugs in ancient Egyptian rituals. The researchers believe that the concoction found in the mug was used in a magical ritual reenacting an Egyptian myth, likely for fertility.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Psychedelic Potion
The researchers used a combination of analytical techniques to uncover the secrets of the psychedelic potion. The team found that the concoction was flavored with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes, which were commonly used to make the beverage look like blood.
The discovery of the psychedelic potion has significant implications for our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and rituals. The researchers believe that this study provides scientific proof that Egyptian myths have some kind of truth and sheds light on the poorly understood rituals that were likely carried out in the Bes Chambers in Saqqara.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 2,000-year-old psychedelic potion in the ancient Egyptian mug is a significant breakthrough in the field of Egyptology. The study provides new insights into the use of hallucinogens in ancient Egyptian rituals and sheds light on the significance of Bes mugs in ancient Egyptian culture.
The Bes mug is currently on display at the Tampa Museum of Art, and a 3D model of the mug can be viewed online. The study’s findings have been published in the journal Scientific Reports.
