A groundbreaking discovery has been made by archaeologists who found direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Europeans dating back 3,000 years. Analysis of hair strands that were ritually buried in a cave revealed the presence of atropine, scopolamine, and ephedrine, which were commonly used as drugs during that time.
This finding provides concrete proof that these hallucinogens were intentionally consumed by people in ancient Europe. According to the study, the hair samples were taken from the Sub-Alpine region of present-day Switzerland and showed traces of atropine, scopolamine, and ephedrine, which are all derived from plants and have psychoactive properties.
The samples were discovered in a cave that is known to have been used for ritual purposes during the Iron Age, around 3,000 years ago. The cave contains a number of artifacts and human remains, which have been linked to a cult-like group that is thought to have used the cave for religious and spiritual practices.
The discovery of these hallucinogens in the hair samples suggests that these practices involved the use of psychoactive substances to induce altered states of consciousness. This is not the first time that evidence of ancient drug use has been found, but it is the first time that direct proof of the consumption of these substances has been discovered.
The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports, and the research team behind the discovery say that it could have important implications for our understanding of ancient cultures and their beliefs. It is thought that the use of these substances may have played a role in shaping the spiritual and religious beliefs of people in ancient Europe, and may even have influenced the development of certain cultural practices.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Jana Zechner, said in a statement that “the analysis of hair strands from the Swiss Alps provides direct evidence that the consumption of psychoactive substances was a central part of the religious and spiritual practices of ancient Europeans.” She added that “this discovery opens up new avenues for research into the origins and development of human spirituality, and may shed light on the ways in which these practices influenced the evolution of European cultures.”
The use of psychoactive substances has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and the discovery of evidence of their use in ancient Europe is an important step in our understanding of their role in shaping human beliefs and practices. As more research is conducted in this area, it is likely that we will continue to discover new insights into the ways in which these substances have influenced human culture throughout history.
