[imagesource:usf]

A 2,000-year-old mug revealed the first physical evidence that the ancient Egyptians were definitely into hallucinogenic cocktails, proving the old myths to be true, they were definitely getting high.

Led by Professor Davide Tanasi of the University of South Florida, the groundbreaking investigation delved into a Bes mug housed at the Tampa Museum of Art, adorned with the image of Bes, the ancient Egyptian god of childbirth, protection, and magical purification.

Published in Scientific Reports, this study employs state-of-the-art chemical, genetic, and spectroscopic analyses to uncover the ingredients of the oldest cocktail ever; a potent, psychotropic brew believed to have played a key role in ancient Egyptian magical rituals.

When the Bes mug was donated to the museum in 1984, its exact use had remained speculative, with theories ranging from holding sacred water to being part of magic rituals.

Drinking vessel in the shape of Bes head; El-Fayūm Oasis, Egypt; Ptolemaic-Roman period (4th century BCE − 3rd century CE) | Image: D. Tanasi et al. Scientific Reports (2024)

After scraping the walls of the mug and using cutting-edge tech to analyse the substance, the team were able to identify a complex mixture of ingredients left over in the cup.

The concoction included plants with psychotropic and medicinal properties such as Peganum harmala (wild rue), Egyptian blue lotus (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea), and a plant from the Cleome genus. Additionally, honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes were used to flavor and color the liquid, making it resemble blood. The presence of fermented fruit-based liquids, proteins, and metabolites added further complexity to the brew.

It gets a bit gross, as the analysis also detected traces of human bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva, suggesting their intentional inclusion in the mixture.

According to the researchers, these findings indicate that the vase’s contents were likely consumed as part of a ritual aimed at inducing hallucinations or prophetic dreams.

The study also draws fascinating parallels between the Bes mug’s use and the “Myth of the Solar Eye,” in which Bes soothes Hathor, the sky goddess, with a drug-infused alcoholic drink masked as blood. This calming potion induces a deep sleep in Hathor, symbolising the resolution of cosmic conflict.

Scholars speculate that rituals involving Bes mugs may have reenacted this myth, blending psychoactive substances with storytelling to amplify and deepen spiritual experiences.

Another crucial context for these rituals was fertility and childbirth. The Bes Chambers at Saqqara, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza, are thought to have been sacred spaces where women turned to divine intervention during the perilous journey of pregnancy.

“This combination of ingredients may have been used in a dream-vision inducing magic ritual within the context of this dangerous period of childbirth,” Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the study, explained.

Such rituals could also include oracular practices, where participants sought prophetic dreams about their futures or pregnancies.

It might come as a surprise—scientists have never found the physical presence of hallucinogenic drugs in ancient artefacts until now, as they’ve never conducted this type of research. All it took was scraping a 2,000-year-old mug to validate the myths once thought to be mere legend, supported by written texts.

Similarly, in the world of modern mixology, it’s sometimes the simplest ingredients that reveal unexpected complexities. Just as researchers uncovered ancient secrets with a bit of scientific ingenuity, cocktail enthusiasts today can unlock new flavour experiences with innovative mixers like Fitch & Leedes, combining tradition with a touch of modern flair.

When it comes to mixers, fine malts, brandies, gin, and vodka deserve nothing but the best. That’s where Fitch & Leedes comes in. Made with quadruple-filtered water for ultimate purity, Fitch & Leedes delivers a superb range of authentic mixers designed to meet the highest standards in quality and taste. Delicately carbonated and perfectly balanced, each mixer is infused with the world’s finest flavours, harking back to an era when craftsmanship and care were paramount—just as the ancient rituals sought to elevate the spirit.

[source:archaologymag&usf]