A new study has found that ancestors in the Bronze Age frequently indulged in psychedelics. The Bronze Age is a historic period that lasted between 3300 BC–1200 BC. This period got its name from the use of bronze, marking the maiden time people started working with metal.
The study found that humans living on Menorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea that belong to Spain, regularly consumed mind-altering substances extracted from plants. Researchers confirmed this by analyzing hair samples retrieved from a burial site thought to be from the Bronze Age. Their discovery represents the first confirmed evidence that ancient peoples of this Spanish island used psychedelic drugs.
The research was conducted by a team of researchers from Spain, led by Professor Elisa Guerra Doce of the University of Valladolid. Doce has specialized in archaeology and prehistory.
The scientists used a combination of anthropology, archaeology, pharmacology, chemistry, iconography and ethnobotany to trace the consumption of these plants to prehistoric times in South America, Eurasia and North America. For their study, the researchers used high-resolution mass spectroscopy and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography to test various chemicals in the hair strands, which led to the discovery of psychoactive compounds in a trio of the samples.
The compounds found include ephedrine, a stimulant which can be extracted from certain species of pine shrubs and trees; and scopolamine and atropine, which are extracted from nightshade plants. The nightshade plant chemicals are known to cause alterations in perception and induce hallucinations, while ephedrine increases alertness and boosts energy levels.
Researchers theorize that the ancient peoples mainly used these hallucinogens during religious ceremonies or rituals, particularly those organized by shamans specialized in exploring altered-mind states. They believe that it wouldn’t have been hard for our ancient ancestors to find sources of these drugs, especially given their knowledge on the types of plants found on the island.
In addition to this, the scientists found wooden containers with circles they believe were meant to portray eyes. They postulate that the containers were used as time capsules to preserve records of specific metaphysical and cultural traditions that were done away with thousands of years ago.
The researchers’ findings offer a better understanding of the tradition of consuming psychedelic plants in ancient times. The study was published in the “Scientific Reports” journal. Other researchers involved include C. Rihuete-Herrada, H. M. Niemeyer, R. Risch, R. Micó and V. Lull.
With such a long history of use, psychedelics could be set for a major comeback as startups such as Compass Pathways PLC. (NASDAQ: CMPS) work to develop medicines targeting a number of clinical indications.
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