Hallucinogens in Ancient Egyptian Rituals Unveiled

Recent research led by Davide Tanasi from the University of South Florida has unveiled that 2,000-year-old Egyptian Bes mugs contained a complex mixture of substances used for ritualistic purposes. These mugs, decorated with the head of the god Bes, were found to contain psychoactive plants like Peganum harmala and Nymphaea caerulea, alongside ingredients such as honey, sesame seeds, and human bodily fluids. This discovery marks the first physical evidence supporting longstanding theories about the use of hallucinogens in ancient Egyptian rituals, believed to induce visions and connect users with the spirit world. The findings underscore the role of these concoctions in religious and magical practices, particularly related to fertility and protection. Chemical and DNA analysis played a crucial role in understanding the contents and their implications for ancient Egyptian culture.