It is the oldest direct evidence in Europe on the use of these psychoactive substances
The inhabitants of the island of Menorca (Balearic Islands) used hallucinogenic drugs about 3,000 years ago, according to an investigation that has just been made public. These drugs came from various plant species that grow on the island.
Scientists say that some locks of hair found in a burial cave in Menorca show that the prehistoric inhabitants of that island used drugs derived from plants and shrubs.
This finding is important, because it would represent Europe’s oldest direct evidence of humans using hallucinogenic drugs. These substances would have induced delirium and hallucinations, according to the researchers.
The discovery, published in the journal Scientific Reportsdetails the signs of human activity in the cave of Es Càrritx, in the southwestern part of Menorca. It is a cave that houses more than 200 human graves and it is believed that it served as a funerary enclave for about 600 years, until 800 BC.
The researchers discovered that the substances, which they had the potential to be quite strong, they may have been used as part of the rituals that take place in the cave. Such ceremonies could have involved shamans, “who were able to control the side effects of plant drugs.”
Three psychoactive substances in a lock of hair
Analysis of the locks, which had been dyed red during ancient rituals and could have come from more than one person, detected three psychoactive substances.
Together with atropine and scopolamine, that induce hallucinations, scientists found ephedrinewhich increases energy and alertness in the human organism.
The scientists also found containers in the cave with spiral motifs carved into the lids. Some scholars, according to the report, interpret these signs as a representation of the “altered states of consciousness” of a person under the influence of hallucinogens.
Until now, evidence of prehistoric drug use in Europe has been based only on indirect evidence, such as the appearance of drug plants in artistic representations.
Reference study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31064-2#Sec7
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