In comparison to today’s trendy cocktail makers, the ancient Egyptians were true masters of the craft. Recent scientific research has revealed the secret ingredients of an extraordinary liquid concoction that was used for rituals more than 2,000 years ago in Egypt. By analyzing chemical traces inside a ceramic vessel shaped like the head of the Egyptian deity Bes, researchers discovered evidence of a fermented alcoholic beverage made from fruit. Additionally, they found psychoactive compounds from plants that induced dream-like visions. What’s more, the drink was even enhanced with bodily fluids such as human blood, breast milk, vaginal mucous, and oral mucous. The purpose of this bizarre drinking ritual is believed to be linked to the worship of Bes, a deity associated with protecting women and children during labor.
The research was led by Enrico Greco, an environmental chemistry expert at the University of Trieste in Italy. Greco and his team successfully identified a variety of nutraceutical, psychotropic, medicinal, and biological substances in the liquid concoction used for ritual practices in Ptolemaic Egypt. They suggest that the liquid was considered beneficent due to the revered status of the Bes figure.
This discovery provides valuable insights into ancient belief systems, cultural practices, and the utilization of natural resources. It enhances our understanding of past societies and their connection to the natural world. The studied Bes-vase originated from the second century BC and is part of the collection at the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida. It was found in the fertile Fayum district, known for its abundant plant and animal life in ancient Egypt.
To uncover the secrets of the beverage, the research team utilized multiple analytical methods, including spectroscopy, genetic techniques, and protein and molecule sampling. Through these methods, they identified key proteins and metabolites, allowing them to determine the botanical sources of the ingredients. One of the plants used was Syrian rue, which contains alkaloids that induce dream-like visions. The presence of vasicine, another alkaloid with utero-tonic properties, suggests a connection to childbirth and abortion, concepts associated with Bes.
The researchers also discovered traces of the psychoactive blue lotus flower and fermented fruit-based liquid, along with other ingredients such as honey or royal jelly. Surprisingly, they found a high presence of human proteins in the residue, indicating a deliberate addition of human fluids to the ritual drink. These fluids included breast milk, oral and vaginal mucous, and blood.
The analysis further revealed the presence of licorice, wheat, sesame seeds, and yeasts from fermentation. The combination of these elements suggests that this Bes-vase was used for a ritual reenactment of a significant event in Egyptian myth. To verify the prevalence of this practice, the researchers emphasize the need to study other similar Bes-vases from the same time period.
In a separate archaeological discovery, researchers in Germany unearthed twelve severed hands in the ancient city of Avaris, which was once a territory of the Hyksos people. It is believed that these hands belonged to enemy warriors captured around 3,500 years ago. The gruesome nature of this find suggests a ceremonial practice involving the public dismemberment of captured enemies. Further research will shed more light on this disturbing aspect of ancient Egyptian warfare.
Overall, these discoveries provide fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian culture, rituals, and beliefs. By studying the past, we gain a deeper understanding of our own history and the connections between humanity and the natural world.
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