### Ancient Egyptian Rituals: Hallucinogens and the Cult of Bes
Recent studies have illuminated the fascinating application of hallucinogens in the religious ceremonies of ancient Egypt, particularly those tied to the god Bes. Bes, a widely revered domestic deity, was thought to provide guardianship, especially for mothers and infants. Unlike numerous other Egyptian gods, Bes was often illustrated within households, and specially designated chambers were even built in his reverence, such as those at the Saqqara site close to Cairo. These chambers likely served for fertility or healing practices, though their precise function remains ambiguous.
#### The Bes Mug and Its Enigmatic Contents
A ceremonial vessel shaped like the head of Bes, displayed at the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida, has emerged as the centerpiece of a captivating investigation. Researchers, led by David Tanasi from the University of South Florida, have performed thorough chemical examinations on the residues found within the mug. Their results imply that the ancient Egyptians may have employed hallucinogenic materials during rituals concerning the cult of Bes.
The mug, capable of holding approximately 90 ml of liquid, was first scrutinized in 2023, unveiling remnants of numerous psychoactive substances. Among the most significant were **Syrian rue** (*Peganum harmala*) and **blue water-lily** (*Nymphaea cerulea*). Syrian rue is recognized for its hallucinogenic characteristics, which provoke dream-like imaginations due to alkaloids like harmine and harmaline. Conversely, blue water-lily includes a psychoactive alkaloid that acts as a sedative and has connections to the lotus tree referenced in Homer’s *Odyssey*.
In addition to these hallucinogens, traces of a fermented alcoholic mixture were also detected. This blend consisted of yeasts, wheat, sesame seeds, fruits (possibly grapes), honey, and even human fluids, such as breast milk or mucus. While human skin traces likely stemmed from contamination, the other organic elements indicate a sophisticated ritualistic concoction.
#### Extended Analysis and Novel Discoveries
Building upon these preliminary results, Tanasi and his team carried out additional chemical and DNA evaluations, recently reported in *Scientific Reports*. This extensive analysis disclosed more components, such as **pine nuts** or **Mediterranean pine oil**, **licorice**, and **tartaric acid salts**, believed to have been part of the alcoholic mixture. They also identified traces of **spider flowers** (*Cleome gynandra* or *Cleome chrysantha*), which are noted for their medicinal uses, including inducing labor.
The existence of these substances aligns with the hypothesis that the Bes chambers were utilized for fertility ceremonies. The hallucinogens could have contributed to inducing dream-like experiences during these rituals, presumably aimed at verifying successful pregnancies or facilitating healing.
#### The Function of Hallucinogens in Ancient Ceremonies
The incorporation of hallucinogens in religious practices is not exclusive to ancient Egypt. Numerous cultures throughout history, including the Greeks, Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs, have utilized psychoactive substances in their rituals. For example, the Greek cult of Asklepios, the deity of medicine, included “incubation rituals” wherein followers would rest in a sanctuary to gain healing dreams from the god. These dreams were frequently prompted by drugs administered by priests.
Tanasi asserts that the discoveries surrounding the Bes mug imply that similar incubation traditions were upheld in ancient Egypt. Devotees might have ingested the hallucinogenic brew to invoke visions or dreams that were thought to provide healing or divine insight.
#### Future Investigations and Consequences
While the revelations from the Bes mug are revolutionary, Tanasi intends to broaden his study by examining other Bes vases, including those located at the Allan Pierson Museum in Amsterdam. These vases were crafted using the same mold as the Tampa mug, and further investigation could determine whether there existed a standardized recipe for the ritual concoction or if various variations were present.
The exploration of these ancient artifacts provides a window into the spiritual and ritualistic traditions of the ancient Egyptians. By pinpointing the substances utilized in these rituals, scholars can gain a deeper comprehension of the role of hallucinogens and other psychoactive elements in ancient religious customs.
#### Conclusion
The discovery of hallucinogenic compounds within the Bes mug presents compelling proof that ancient Egyptians employed psychoactive substances in their religious ceremonies. These insights not only enhance our knowledge of the cult of Bes but also underscore the wider application of hallucinogens in ancient spiritual activities. As researchers persist in analyzing other Bes vases and related artifacts, we may unravel even further details about the enigmatic and captivating realm of ancient Egyptian rituals.
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**DOI**: Scientific Reports, 2024. [10.1038/s41598-024-78721-8](http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78721-8)
