- Archaeologists have discovered black henbane seeds in a hollowed-out human bone
- These seeds have been used both as a medicine and as a narcotic
It is known that the Romans were one of the most influential civilizations in the world.
But even they may have enjoyed a little escapism – in the form of powerful hallucinogens, a study suggests.
Archaeologists have discovered hundreds of black henbane seeds in a hollowed-out bone in the rural Roman settlement of Houten-Castellum in the Netherlands.
These seeds come from a poisonous plant, part of the nightshade family, and are used both as a medicine and as a narcotic.
Until now, no conclusive evidence has been found for the use of black henbane from Roman times.
Archaeologists have discovered hundreds of black henbane seeds in a hollowed-out bone
It is known that the Romans were one of the most influential civilizations in the world. But even they may have enjoyed a little escapism – in the form of powerful hallucinogens, a study suggests
But experts say placing seeds in a hollowed-out sheep or goat bone, sealed with a black birch bark tar plug, indicates the seeds were deliberately stored there about 2,000 years ago.
Historical texts suggest that henbane may have been used as a painkiller and sleep aid.
But others warn that it can also have strong hallucinogenic effects, causing loss of muscle control, dilation of the pupils, visions and even a feeling of flying.
Although this is the first example of black henbane found in a container from Roman times, it is not clear exactly what its intended use was, the researchers said.
The remains were discovered by archaeologists in the rural Roman settlement of Houten-Castellum in the Netherlands
Writing in the journal Antiquity, the team from Freie Universität Berlin said: ‘Black henbane is an extremely poisonous plant species that can also be used as a medicinal or psychoactive drug.
‘Cases where the intentional human use of black henbane can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt are rare.
‘There are only a handful of archaeological examples: one find in a grave and three finds from hospitals.
‘The discovery at Houten-Castellum, in the Roman Netherlands, of a bone cylinder closed at one end with a birch bark tar plug and filled with black henbane seeds, therefore provides an important new argument for the deliberate collection and use of seeds from this area. plant.’