A groundbreaking study has revealed that ancient Egyptians may have consumed hallucinogenic beverages during religious rituals. Researchers have identified traces of psychedelic drugs, bodily fluids, and alcohol in a 2,000-year-old mug adorned with the head of Bes, an Egyptian deity associated with fertility, protection, healing, and purification. This discovery sheds light on the complex rituals involving these vessels, which were long believed to be sacred but whose use remained mysterious until now.
The mug, which is currently displayed at the Tampa Museum of Art, provided the first physical evidence of the substances consumed during these rituals. Published on November 13 in Scientific Reports, the findings highlight the presence of fermented alcoholic substances, including beer or wine, flavored with ingredients like honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes. Along with these, bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, and mucus were also found, likely added intentionally for religious or magical purposes.
This discovery is significant as it confirms long-standing speculations about the role of Bes mugs, which were thought to be used for various rituals, ranging from daily life to religious ceremonies and magical practices. The Bes mugs were produced over a long period and are rare, making each surviving example an important artifact.
Lead author Davide Tanasi, a professor at the University of South Florida, emphasized that the substances found in the mug align with ancient Egyptian records and myths, particularly those concerning rituals in the Bes Chambers at Saqqara, near the Great Pyramids of Giza. These rituals likely aimed to ensure successful pregnancies, a subject closely tied to the ancient Egyptians’ reverence for fertility and protection.
The study involved chemical and DNA analysis, which detected four primary substance categories: an alcoholic base, flavoring agents, human bodily fluids, and medicinal or psychotropic plants. Among the plants identified were the Egyptian blue water lily and Syrian rue, both known for their hallucinogenic and medicinal properties. Additionally, the Cleome plant, known to induce labor or abortion, was also detected.
Researchers believe that these concoctions were used in rituals intended to induce dream-like visions or heightened meditative states, potentially aiding in childbirth or enhancing spiritual experiences. The findings challenge previous assumptions and provide scientific evidence that supports the belief in the powerful role of magic and religion in ancient Egyptian society.
The study also opens the door to further investigations into the widespread use of these vessels and their contents. Future analyses of additional Bes mugs from various museums could reveal whether the recipes found in this one mug were common or if different Bes vessels contained different concoctions for various rituals.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the spiritual practices of ancient Egypt and helps to unravel the mysteries surrounding their religious rituals, particularly those related to fertility, protection, and healing.
