News

PRESS RELEASE: Discovered the use of psychotropic substances in ancient Egypt

For the first time, a team of researchers has uncovered direct evidence of the use of psychotropic substances in the rituals of ancient Egyptian civilisation. The discovery, made possible by the use of advanced analytical techniques, redefines the understanding of ancient Egyptian spirituality and underlines the importance of innovative and multidisciplinary approaches in archaeological science.

Trieste, 28 November 2024 – For the first time, direct evidence of the use of psychotropic substances in rituals in ancient Ptolemaic Egypt has been discovered: researchers have, in fact, uncovered details invisible to the naked eye analysing the content of a ritual vase, dating back over 2,000 years, decorated with the head of the Egyptian god Bes, a grotesque but benevolent deity (figure 1).

Fig. 1 – Drinking vessel in shape of Bes head; El-Fayūm Oasis, Egypt; Ptolemaic-Roman period (4th century BCE − 3rd century CE), (courtesy of the Tampa Museum of Art, Florida – picture adapted from Tanasi et al., 2024)

The multi-disciplinary study, coordinated by Dr. Enrico Greco (Professor of Chemistry of the Environment and Cultural Heritage at the University of Trieste) and published in the journal Scientific Reports (Nature Group), has been conducted thanks to the collaboration among the Tampa Museum of Art and the University of South Florida, the University of Milan and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, and has been supported by the European Research Infrastructure Consortium CERIC-ERIC.

Preliminary measurements were carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared micro-spectroscopy coupled to Synchrotron Radiation (SR µ-FTIR) which gave first indications of the use of psychotropic substances of plant origin, such as Peganum harmala (Figure 2). “These sophisticated investigations, made available through the CERIC-ERIC offer, allowed us to analyse very small quantities of sample in a completely non-invasive manner, while keeping the original artefact almost intact” – explains Dr. Chiaramaria Stani, CERIC-ERIC researcher at Synchrotron Infrared Source for Spectroscopy and Imaging (SISSI) beamline at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste , and coordinator within the Consortium for projects related to Cultural Heritage analysis – “Once again, the radiation available at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste has proved to be an extremely powerful tool for analysing matter with an unprecedented level of precision”.

Fig 2 a) optical image of sample TMA2. The orange-brownish region contains silicates (spectrum n.3), likely originating from the ceramic matrix of the vessel. However, (b) the spectrum n.2 collected within areas delineated by green frames in panel a, exhibited several sharp infrared peaks lying underneath the silicates absorption, likely due to a mixture of one or more organic aromatic substances. Interestingly, the spectra showing the most intense peculiar peaks correspond to single transparent orange spots (indicated by green arrows) suggesting the possible presence of isolated molecules. An hydroalcoholic extract of Peganun harmala (spectrum n. 5) has been used as reference. Picture adapted from Tanasi et al., 2024.

Thanks to the combination of other complementary advanced bio-scientific methods (proteomics, metabolomics, and metabarcoding of plant DNA), it has been possible to comprehensively identify the ceremonial content of the vase. In the mixture analysed, traces of Peganum harmala (Syrian rue), Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea (blue water lily) and a plant of the genus Cleome, all known for their psychotropic or medicinal properties, were detected. These substances were combined with fermented liquids or other ingredients such as honey or royal jelly. Furthermore, analysis revealed the presence of human fluids, such as blood and mucous membrane proteins, suggesting that the jar was used in symbolic and transformative rituals, probably related to female fertility, through the attainment of altered states of consciousness.

Enrico Greco, Professor of Chemistry of the Environment and Cultural Heritage at the University of Trieste and coordinator of the study, emphasises: “This discovery was only possible thanks to a highly multidisciplinary approach: by combining state-of-the-art scientific techniques with cultural, linguistic and historical analysis, we obtained information that traditional archaeology alone could not have provided. This underlines the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving the mysteries of the remote past”.

Based on direct scientific evidence, the study allowed the deity Bes to be attributed a mystical role, linked to altered states of consciousness and divinatory rituals, but it also represents the first documented example of intentional use of psychedelics in Egyptian rituals to induce dreamlike visions, meditative states and communication with the divine. This demonstrates the Egyptians’ sophisticated knowledge of natural resources and their effects on the human mind. In fact, although several hypotheses based on illustrations and texts have been advanced in the past, this research provides concrete physical evidence. The findings also link these practices to wider Mediterranean and Near Eastern traditions, suggesting cultural exchanges that influenced the ritual and medical knowledge of ancient civilisations.

Press release produced in collaboration with the University of Trieste Press Office

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Tanasi, D., van Oppen de Ruiter, B.F., Florian, F. et al. Multianalytical investigation reveals psychotropic substances in a ptolemaic Egyptian vase. Sci Rep 14, 27891 (2024)

—

CERIC-ERIC is a European research infrastructure consortium established by the European Commission and the Government of eight Countries in 2014. It offers researchers and industry access to more than 60 experimental analytical and synthesis techniques in advanced research facilities in eight Central and Eastern European countries, and associated institutions. This supports multidisciplinary research down to the micro- and nano-level in the fields of advanced materials, biomaterials and nanotechnology. In CERIC’s facilities, materials can be analysed and their structure investigated by combining techniques based on the use of electrons, ions, neutrons and photons.

Access to CERIC’s research services is through international calls for proposals that allow free access to multiple techniques and reward the best projects, provided their results are open and published. In addition, there is commercial access for proprietary research open to companies, and support for technology transfer.
 

CONTACTS: CERIC Press Office: press@ceric-eric.eu
Marcello Turconi: marcello.turconi@ceric-eric.eu