A groundbreaking discovery made by a University of South Florida (USF) professor has shed new light on ancient Egyptian practices, confirming the use of hallucinogens in religious rituals that have long been shrouded in mystery. Through advanced chemical analysis, Dr. Davide Tanasi, a leading archaeologist, uncovered the first-ever physical evidence of psychotropic substances in a piece of ancient Egyptian pottery—a Bes mug. This discovery not only supports centuries-old myths and written records but also unveils the contents of these ceremonial vessels, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian rituals associated with protection, fertility, and magic.
The Bes mug in question, which was donated to the Tampa Museum of Art in 1984, is one of the few remaining examples of these ancient Egyptian artifacts. Bes, the deity depicted on the mug, was an important figure in Egyptian religion, often considered a god of protection, fertility, and healing. Bes was also worshipped as a guardian of women during childbirth, and his image was commonly used to ward off evil spirits. These mugs, often found in tombs or ceremonial settings, have intrigued Egyptologists for years, with little known about their specific use or contents.
Dr. Tanasi’s study, published in Scientific Reports, provides answers to some of these long-standing questions. He and his team employed cutting-edge chemical and DNA analyses to examine a pulverized sample from the interior of the Bes mug. Their investigation revealed the presence of several key ingredients, including plants with known psychotropic and medicinal properties, which may have been used in rituals intended to induce altered states of consciousness. These findings suggest that the contents of the mug were far more than just a simple beverage, but rather a potent concoction designed to invoke visions or facilitate a spiritual experience.
“This research teaches us about magic rituals in the Greco-Roman period in Egypt,” said Branko van Oppen, the curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art. “Egyptologists have long speculated about the purpose of these Bes mugs, but for the first time, we have solid evidence that supports the idea they were used in magical or religious practices, likely involving fertility rituals.”
One of the most striking revelations of the study is the combination of substances found in the Bes mug. According to Tanasi, the concoction included not only alcoholic beverages but also hallucinogenic plants, bodily fluids, and various herbs. The mixture included honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes—ingredients that were often used in ancient Egyptian medicine and magic. These substances were carefully combined to create a drink that resembled blood, an important symbol in Egyptian rituals. The presence of psychotropic compounds, along with the potential for bodily fluids to be used in the brew, suggests that the ritual was designed to bring about altered states of consciousness, possibly to induce visions or dreams related to fertility and protection.
The discovery has profound implications for our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture, particularly in relation to their religious and magical practices. Egyptologists have long speculated about the role of the Bes mugs, but until now, no physical evidence had been found to confirm these theories. Tanasi’s findings are particularly significant because they provide a scientific basis for the rituals and myths that have been passed down through ancient Egyptian texts and oral traditions. It’s believed that the use of these concoctions played a central role in rituals associated with childbirth, a dangerous and uncertain period in ancient Egypt, where the well-being of mothers and infants was of paramount concern.
Tanasi’s research not only reveals the nature of these ancient rituals but also highlights the complexity of Egyptian religion and its interplay with magic and medicine. In particular, the Bes mugs are thought to have been used in sacred spaces known as the Bes Chambers at Saqqara, a site located near the Great Pyramids at Giza. These chambers were believed to be places where women sought confirmation of a successful pregnancy and protection during childbirth. The concoctions found in the Bes mugs likely played a key role in these ceremonies, serving as both a spiritual and physical aid in ensuring the safety of mothers and infants during this precarious time.
The significance of this study extends beyond Egyptology, offering insight into the broader role of psychedelics in ancient cultures. Throughout history, many societies have used hallucinogens as part of religious or healing rituals, often with the aim of connecting with deities, invoking visions, or gaining insight into the mysteries of the universe. The use of hallucinogens in ancient Egypt, as evidenced by the Bes mugs, suggests that the Egyptians, like many other ancient cultures, viewed altered states of consciousness as a way to interact with the divine and to gain access to hidden knowledge.
Tanasi’s work was part of the Mediterranean Diet Archaeology project, an initiative led by the USF Institute for the Advanced Study of Culture and the Environment. In collaboration with researchers from the University of Trieste and the University of Milan, the team employed a variety of advanced scientific techniques to examine the residues inside the mug. These included chemical analyses, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which allowed them to identify specific compounds in the ancient drink. By combining these techniques with DNA analysis, the team was able to identify the plants used in the concoction and confirm the presence of hallucinogenic substances.
The study has received widespread attention for its innovative approach to archaeological research and its ability to uncover previously unknown aspects of ancient Egyptian culture. Tanasi’s team has opened a new chapter in the study of ancient rituals, showing how modern scientific techniques can be used to unravel the mysteries of the past. “This research has been a long time coming,” said Tanasi. “For the first time, we are able to confirm the role of hallucinogens in ancient Egyptian religious rituals, adding a new layer of understanding to the complex spiritual practices of this fascinating civilization.”
The discovery also raises questions about the role of substances in modern religious and spiritual practices. In contemporary society, the use of hallucinogens has been a subject of renewed interest, with many people turning to psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, spiritual enlightenment, or personal growth. By studying the use of psychotropic substances in ancient civilizations, we may gain new insights into the ways in which humans have historically sought to alter their consciousness in pursuit of deeper meaning or connection with the divine.
Reference: Davide Tanasi et al, Multianalytical investigation reveals psychotropic substances in a ptolemaic Egyptian vase, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78721-8