A new study has revealed surprising and disturbing components of a drink used by the ancient Egyptians in religious ceremonies. Inside a small 2,200 year old ceramic cup, decorated with the figure of the deity Bes, remain remains of a concoction composed of alcohol, psychoactive plants and body fluids.
The palm-sized cup is decorated with the image of Besa deity known to protect women and children, especially during childbirth. This vessel was discovered in Fayum, Egypt, and is currently part of the collection of the Tampa Museum of Art, Florida. According to Professor Davide Tanasi of the University of South Florida, the concoction had a ritual purpose.
Chemical analyzes show that it contained fermented liquids -such as fruit juices- and psychoactive plants -such as Syrian rue (Peganum Harmala), known to induce dreamlike visions. Furthermore, traces of blue lotus flower, used for its hallucinogenic effects, and other ingredients such as honey, licorice, pine nuts and sesame seeds, which provided flavor and medicinal properties, were found. In smaller concentrations in the plant the alkaloid vaccinia is also found, which has “uterotonic” properties that can promote childbirth or induce abortion, alluding to concepts linked to the divinity Bes.
One of the most surprising findings of the study was the presence of human proteinssuggesting that bodily fluids were added as blood, breast milk and vaginal mucosa. The meaning of using these elements could be to recreate the Myth of the Solar Eye, an event of great importance in Egyptian mythology. Bes stopped the blood goddess Hathor’s wrath by serving her an alcoholic drink mixed with one containing a plant-based drug.
“In light of our findings, it would be possible to infer that this Bes vessel was used for some sort of ritual re-enactment of what happened in a significant event in Egyptian myth,” the team says. The study, published in Scientific reportsis the first to precisely identify the chemical components of one of these cups of Bes. The researchers used advanced DNA and chemical composition analysis techniques to decipher the ingredients.
The analyzed cup contained approximately 90 ml of liquidwhich indicates that it was consumed in small quantities, probably due to its powerful psychoactive effect. Experts plan to analyze other Bes cups, fewer than 15 worldwide, to determine whether there was a standardized recipe for this ritual drink.
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How does the inclusion of human bodily fluids in ancient rituals reflect the beliefs and practices of the Egyptian culture?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Professor Davide Tanasi
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Professor Tanasi! Thank you for joining us to discuss your groundbreaking research on the ancient Egyptian ceremonial drink discovered in Fayum. It sounds absolutely fascinating!
Professor Davide Tanasi (DT): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our findings with your audience.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Your study revealed that this 2,200-year-old ceramic cup not only contained alcohol but also psychoactive plants and, surprisingly, human bodily fluids. Can you tell us more about the significance of these components?
DT: Absolutely. This small cup, adorned with the figure of Bes—who was revered as a protector of women and children—served a specific ritual purpose. The inclusion of both psychoactive plants like Syrian rue and the blue lotus flower, known for inducing dreamlike visions, suggests that this drink was meant to facilitate unique experiences during religious ceremonies.
TNE: So it wasn’t just for drinking sake; there was a deeper, more profound meaning behind it. The human proteins found in the concoction are particularly astonishing. Why do you think ancient Egyptians included bodily fluids in their rituals?
DT: That’s a great question. The presence of human proteins suggests that bodily fluids, such as blood or breast milk, might have been integral in these rituals. They could symbolize life, fertility, and the connection to the divine. It also hints at the possibility of recreating significant mythological events, such as the Myth of the Solar Eye, which plays a crucial role in Egyptian cosmology and beliefs about protection and rebirth.
TNE: Intriguing! Speaking of mythology, could you elaborate on the specific role of Bes and how this drink relates to his symbolism?
DT: Of course! Bes was adored for his protective qualities, particularly during childbirth. The drink, which might have been consumed by mothers-to-be or during ceremonies to safeguard women and children, could therefore represent an invocation of Bes’s protection and the promoting of fertility. The ritual mixing of psychoactive elements with human substances might have been a way to merge the spiritual and physical realms, reinforcing the bond between humanity and the divine.
TNE: The implications of your findings seem profound for our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture. How do you think this alters our perception of their rituals?
DT: This research challenges the notion that ancient rituals were purely formal or simplistic. Instead, it shows their complexity and deep roots in integrating psychological, spiritual, and physical elements. The ceremonial use of psychoactive substances and the inclusion of human bodily fluids reveal a sophisticated understanding of the human experience, consciousness, and the quest for divine interaction.
TNE: It sounds like we have only scratched the surface of understanding ancient practices. What are the next steps for your research in this field?
DT: Our team is currently analyzing more samples from similar archaeological sites, looking for connections in ritualistic practices across different periods and locations in ancient Egypt. There’s so much more to uncover about how they viewed life, death, and the supernatural.
TNE: We’ll be watching closely for your future findings! Lastly, what do you hope the broader audience takes away from your research on this ancient drink and its implications?
DT: I hope people gain an appreciation for the richness and complexity of ancient cultures. It’s easy to view historical societies through a modern lens, but understanding their beliefs, rituals, and daily practices can offer profound insights into who we are today. This study emphasizes that our ancestors were not so different from us in their quest for understanding life’s mysteries.
TNE: Thank you, Professor Tanasi. You’ve opened our eyes to a captivating part of ancient history, and we’re eager to hear more as your research progresses.
DT: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this fascinating topic.