Poring Over the Mystery of an Egyptian Cup

The first comprehensive scientific analysis of a Bes mug's residues uncovered a psychedelic concoction used in rituals

- ARISTOS GEORGIOU

A MYSTERIOUS ANCIENT EGYPTIAN "MUG" WAS once used to drink a mind-bending cocktail of alcohol, bodily fluids and psychedelic substances, a study has revealed-the first time use of psychoactives in rituals during this period has been directly confirmed by physical evidence.

Researchers conducted an advanced chemical analysis of the artifact-tentatively dated to the 2nd century B.C.-and found that it contained traces of various fascinating ingredients.

These indicated a "complex liquid concoction" containing psychoactive and medicinal compounds, fermented liquids, human blood and other secretions, as well as various flavorings.

In light of the findings, the authors of the study, in Scientific Reports, believe that the mug may have been used in psychedelic rituals possibly linked to fertility.

"This is the first time scientific evidence has directly confirmed the use of psychedelics in ancient Egyptian rituals," study lead author Enrico Greco, with the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Trieste, Italy, told Newsweek.

"While there have been previous hypotheses based on iconography or texts, this study provides physical evidence of the deliberate use of psychotropic substances in ceremonial practice." The artifact in question is an Egyptian Bes mug-a class of vessel that has been found in a variety of contexts over a long period of time.

These mugs are decorated with the head of Bes, "one of the most fascinating and wildly popular figures of ancient Egyptian religion," the study authors wrote.

A protector deity linked to joy, fertility and household well-being, his role expanded during the Ptolemaic period (around 330-30 B.C.) to include "oracular and mystical" functions, Greco said.