Evidence of a 2,200-year-old hallucinogenic ritual found in Egyptian vase depicting a dwarf god

In an Egyptian vase, researchers found the remains of a mixture that could cause hallucinations. Scientists suggest that this 2200-year-old liquid may have helped the ancient Egyptians recreate a mythical story.

After all, the vase depicted the ancient Egyptian dwarf god Bes. According to an ancient legend, Bes calmed the sky goddess Hathor by "serving her an alcoholic drink that contained a plant drug disguised as blood for deep sleep," LiveScience writes.

Who is Bes

Bes (Besu, Bes, Beza) in ancient Egyptian mythology is a generalized name for dwarf deities who were considered guardians of the home, and family, protectors from evil spirits and poisonous animals (including snakes), patrons of fertility, women in labor, and children, according to a historical reference.

Research by scientists

The team of scientists conducted a chemical analysis of the organic residues in the vase, finding traces of wild rue, Egyptian lotus, and a plant of the Cleome genus. "All these plants have psychotropic effects and medicinal properties. We also found the remains of sesame seeds, pine nuts, and grapes, a mixture that was commonly used to make the drink look like blood," the team of scientists said.

The researchers also found residues of human bodily fluids such as saliva and blood, indicating that people drank the mixture.

Scientists suggest that people in ancient Egypt were trying to recreate the "Myth of the Sun's Eye," where the Imp calmed the sky goddess Hathor with a plant drug.

It is also possible that this hallucinogenic drink was used by people trying to predict the future. "The ritual associated with the cult of the Imps in the Greco-Roman periods included the practice of incubation for oracular purposes, during which consultants slept in the chambers of the Bes-Chambers at Saqqara to receive prophetic dreams," the researchers suggested.

"Egyptologists believe that people visited the so-called chambers of the Imps in Saqqara when they wanted to confirm a successful pregnancy, as pregnancy in the ancient world was associated with danger," said Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art.

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