Ancient Cannabis Use: Archaeological Evidence from a 2,500-Year-Old Cemetery
Herodotus’ Account and the Search for Physical Evidence
In 440 B.C., Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, described the ritualistic use of cannabis by the Scythians, a nomadic Eurasian civilization. Herodotus’ writings provided the earliest textual evidence of cannabis as a mind-altering substance. However, scientists have long lacked the physical evidence needed to verify his claims.
The Jirzankal Cemetery Discovery
A new study published in the journal Science Advances has finally provided unequivocal evidence of ancient cannabis use. Researchers from China and Germany analyzed wooden bowls, or braziers, excavated from a 2,500-year-old cemetery in the mountains of western China. These braziers contained significant traces of THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects.
Cannabis in Funerary Rites
The study’s authors believe that the individuals involved in the Jirzankal cemetery rites likely smoked cannabis to commune with nature, spirits, or deceased people. This hypothesis is supported by the association of the braziers with burials. The researchers suggest that the cannabis smoke, acting similarly to incense, filled an enclosed space and guided people into an altered state of mind.
Cannabis Domestication and Cultivation
The study also sheds light on the history of cannabis domestication. Cannabis was first domesticated in eastern Asia around 3,500 years ago, primarily for its seeds and fibers. However, the cannabis varieties identified at Jirzankal had decidedly low THC levels, suggesting that humans only began cultivating the plant for its mind-altering effects at a more recent point in history.
The Significance of Jirzankal
The Jirzankal findings are significant for several reasons. First, they provide the earliest chemical evidence of ritualized cannabis use. Second, they expand the range of sites linked with early cannabis use. Third, they suggest that cannabis was used for both medicinal and spiritual purposes in ancient times.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Cannabis Use
Modern perspectives on cannabis vary tremendously cross-culturally. In some cultures, cannabis is widely accepted and used recreationally. In others, it is still considered a taboo substance. However, the Jirzankal findings demonstrate that cannabis has a long and diverse history of human use.
Archaeological Evidence and the Confirmation of Herodotus
The Jirzankal discovery provides strong archaeological evidence to support Herodotus’ account of cannabis use among the Scythians. It also highlights the importance of archaeological research in uncovering the history of human drug use and its cultural significance.
