A Brief History of Drugs. 7 Ways Our Ancestors Got High. Shocking Facts

Summary

This episode delves into the ancient world's seven main drugs, exploring their roles in religious rituals, medicine, and daily life. From marijuana's use in China's Yangshao culture to Egypt's dominance in opium trade, the video uncovers how psychoactive substances were integral to civilizations. It also discusses the potential substances behind the mythical soma, the stimulant effects of Southeast Asia's betel nut, and the legendary ferocity of Viking berserkers possibly fueled by henbane. The episode serves as a historical journey through the use and cultural significance of drugs across different ancient societies.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Hemp was one of the first plants domesticated by humans, with its seeds used for food and oil, and its fibers for making ropes and textiles.
• 🍃 The psychoactive properties of cannabis were known in ancient cultures, with evidence of its use found in ancient China and Egypt for medicinal purposes.
• 🔥 Ancient people in the Pamir region smoked cannabis, as indicated by the discovery of braziers containing cannabinol, a byproduct of THC, in an ancient graveyard.
• 🌾 Opium has been known to humanity for thousands of years, with early evidence of its use found in Neolithic settlements and detailed in ancient texts like the Ebers Papyrus.
• 🌼 Egyptians were major exporters of opium, trading it with Phoenicians and Minoans, spreading its use across the Mediterranean and into Europe.
• 🌱 The use of stimulants like betel nut and leaves was prevalent in Southeast Asia, with evidence of its consumption dating back thousands of years.
• 🍄 The identity of the sacred drug soma, mentioned in ancient Hindu and Zoroastrian texts, remains a mystery, with several plant candidates proposed.
• 🌱 Coca leaves were used by ancient Peruvians, with evidence of its consumption dating back 8,000 years, and it was integral to the Inca Empire.
• 🌵 Native Americans used hallucinogens like peyote for spiritual rites, with archaeological findings supporting its long history of use.
• ⚔️ The legendary berserkers of Scandinavian sagas may have used substances like henbane to induce a fierce, battle-ready state, although the exact substances remain debated.

Q & A

What are some of the earliest plants known to be used for their psychoactive properties?

Some of the earliest plants known for their psychoactive properties include marijuana, opium poppy, and coca leaves.

How was hemp used in ancient cultures?

In ancient cultures, hemp was used for various purposes such as cooking and making oil from its seeds, using its stems for ropes and textiles, and its blossoms for medicinal recipes and smoking.

What is the significance of the discovery of wooden braziers with cannabinol in ancient Pamir graves?

The discovery of wooden braziers with cannabinol in ancient Pamir graves suggests that ancient people of Pamir knew how to select cannabis with higher psychoactive properties for smoking.

How did the Scythians use cannabis?

The Scythians used cannabis by fumigating their tents with cannabis smoke and drinking a poppy brew, as indicated by the discovery of gold bowls with traces of opium and cannabis in their tombs.

What is the history of opium use in ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, opium was used as a painkiller and sedative. It was also exported to other regions such as Carthage, Greece, and Europe, making Egypt a significant exporter of opium.

What is the significance of the Sumerian clay tablet in the context of opium?

The Sumerian clay tablet, dating back to over 2,000 years BC, is one of the earliest known records of opium poppy, indicating the plant's long history of use.

What are some of the potential ingredients of the ancient beverage soma?

The ancient beverage soma, mentioned in Hindu and Zoroastrian texts, could have been made from ingredients such as toadstools, poppy flowers, hemp plant, or ephedra.

How did Native Americans use coca leaves?

Native Americans used coca leaves for its energizing effects, often chewed by couriers and soldiers to help them endure long journeys and to measure the distance traveled.

What is the significance of the discovery of a shaman's tomb in Bolivia containing traces of various psychotropic substances?

The discovery indicates the use of multiple psychoactive plants in ancient rituals and ceremonies, including the components of the hallucinogenic drink ayahuasca.

What is the theory behind the ferocity of berserkers in Scandinavian sagas?

The ferocity of berserkers might have been due to the consumption of substances like toadstools or henbane before battles, which could induce intense strength and fearlessness.

Why did Roman authors mention cannabis in their texts?

Roman authors were familiar with cannabis, acknowledging its use for both recreational and medicinal purposes, as well as its potential to induce laughter.