Multianalytical investigation reveals psychotropic substances in a ptolemaic Egyptian vase

Scientific Reports volume  14, Article number: 27891 (2024 ) Cite this article

This study presents a comprehensive multimodal analytical study of an Egyptian ritual Bes-vase, of the 2nd century BCE employing cutting-edge proteomics, metabolomics, genetics techniques, and synchrotron radiation-based Fourier Transformed Infrared microSpectroscopy (SR µ-FTIR) to characterize organic residues of its content. We successfully identified the presence of various functional, bioactive, psychotropic, and medicinal substances, shedding light on the diverse components of a liquid concoction used for ritual practices in Ptolemaic Egypt. Using LC-MS/MS with a new methodological approach, we identified key proteins and metabolites, enabling the identification of botanical sources, confirmed by genetic sequences. Our analyses revealed traces of Peganum harmala, Nimphaea nouchali var. caerulea, and a plant of the Cleome genus, all of which are traditionally proven to have psychotropic and medicinal properties. Additionally, the identification of human fluids suggests their direct involvement in these rituals. Furthermore, metabolomics and SR µ-FTIR analyses also revealed the presence of fermented fruit-based liquid and other ingredients such as honey or royal jelly. The identification of specific chemical compounds, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, provides insight into the psychoactive and therapeutic uses of these in ancient ritual practices. This multidisciplinary study highlights the complexity of ancient cultures and their interactions with psychoactive, medicinal, and bioactive substances. These findings contribute to our understanding of ancient belief systems, cultural practices, and the utilization of natural resources, ultimately enhancing our knowledge of past societies and their connection to the natural world.

Religion is one of the most fascinating and puzzling aspect of any ancient civilization. In the Mediterranean region no other religion has ever reached the ritual complexity, both in terms of prescriptions and lore, of that developed and practiced by the ancient Egyptians over the course of three and a half millennia. This facet of the ancient Egyptian culture was an intricate nexus of beliefs, magical practices and medical, alchemic and herbalistic procedures all practiced conforming to the events and acts described in their sacred texts. A ritual performance assisted by artificial aids, that in certain specific cults gets to assume a central role, is that associated with “Bes”, one of the most fascinating and wildly popular figures of ancient Egyptian religion. By the time of the Ptolemaic Period (ca. 330 − 30 BCE), or somewhat earlier, so-called Bes Chambers were built at the site of Saqqara near the Egyptian capital Memphis (south of Cairo) in which poorly understood rituals were carried out1,2.

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