An ancient Egyptian mug from 2,000 years ago has revealed its hidden secrets, unveiling psychedelic concoctions once served to our Egyptian ancestors.
Ground-breaking research led by Professor Davide Tanasi from the University of South Florida has unveiled the fascinating contents of these ancient mugs, known as Bes mugs. These mugs, adorned with the head of Bes, an ancient Egyptian deity associated with protection, fertility, and healing, were not just decorative items. Instead, they possibly held potent mixtures that played a role in magical rituals designed to enhance fertility and offer spiritual experiences.
Through advanced chemical and DNA analysis of a mug’s inner residues, the research team discovered that ancient Egyptian beverages weren’t your typical drinks. They contained a blend of psychedelic drugs, bodily fluids, and alcohol. Tanasi believes these concoctions were used in rituals that aimed to recreate Egyptian myths, particularly those revolving around fertility, as supported by both scientific findings and age-old written records.
Adding to the mystery and allure of these drinks, they were flavored with ingredients such as honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice, and grapes. These components were likely added to make the drink’s appearance resemble blood, further enhancing its ritualistic significance. According to Prof. Tanasi, this discovery marks a significant milestone, as it allows for the identification of all chemical signatures of this ancient drink, offering a window into the magical rituals of the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.
Echoing these sentiments, Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art, explains that ancient Egyptians may have visited the Bes Chambers at Saqqara when they sought confirmation of a successful pregnancy. The era’s pregnancies were fraught with risk, and this mix of ingredients may have been used to induce dream-like visions during these perilous times of childbirth.
The Bes Chambers, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza, hold historical significance as spaces where such rituals might have unfolded. As researchers continue to delve into the past, these discoveries keep shedding light on the mystical practices and beliefs of ancient civilizations.
In uncovering the secrets of the Bes mugs, modern science has bridged a gap to our distant past, revealing the complex and mystical world of ancient Egyptian rituals. The cocktail of substances within these mugs is a testament to the cultural and spiritual practices that once flourished along the Nile, offering us a glimpse into a world where myths and reality intertwined.
Source: News.sky
