From Opium to Saffron, the Ancients Knew a Thing or Two About Drugs

The article discusses the historical significance of psychoactive substances in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures, highlighting their role in ecstatic experiences and rituals. Scholars have increasingly recognized that these substances, including opium, cannabis, and saffron, were integral to social and spiritual practices, challenging the traditional view that Western civilization was built solely on rationalism. Recent archaeological findings, such as the discovery of opium residues in ancient vessels and the depiction of psychoactive plants in art, suggest that these substances were not only used for their psychoactive effects but also played a role in economic and social structures. The authors emphasize the need for a broader understanding of ancient practices, moving beyond canonical texts to include a variety of archaeological and ethnobotanical evidence. They argue that the use of psychoactive substances was a complex, managed phenomenon that helped define cultural identities and foster communal bonds. The article concludes by noting that women were often central figures in the cultivation and trade of these substances, indicating a long history of female entrepreneurship in this domain.

- Psychoactive substances were central to ancient rituals and ecstatic experiences.

- Recent archaeological evidence supports the use of substances like opium and saffron in ancient cultures.

- The traditional view of Western civilization as purely rational is being challenged by new research.

- Women played significant roles in the cultivation and trade of psychoactive plants.

- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for understanding the complexities of ancient drug use.