Israel: Archaeologists find proof of opium use in ancient world


bigstock Vessels Spectacularly Preserve 256813138 archaelogical archaelogy dig artifacts

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Archaeologists and scientists have identified traces of opium on ancient ceramic jugs unearthed at a Bronze Age burial site in Israel’s Tel Yehud, in a discovery they say prove unequivocally the drug was used in the Levant in the ancient world, the Times of Israel reports.

The ceramic juglets on which opium residue was found were discovered during the excavation of a 14th century B.C burial site at Tel Yehud by Israel Antiquities Authority dig director Eriola Jakoel in 2012-2017, TOI said. Researchers learned the jugs had been imported from Cyprus.

Forensic scientists tested the jugs for opium as part of ongoing multi-disciplinary research into the use of opium in ancient times: ancient texts and religious iconography refer to the drug, TOI reports.

Research into the question has centered on archaeobotanical studies, which identified the opium poppy plant at archaeological sites dating to the Neolithic period. However, until now, there was no physical evidence to prove the drug was actually used in the ancient world, TOI said.

“This is the first empirical physical evidence of the use of opium in the Levant in the Late Bronze Age,” lead researcher Dr. Vanessa Linares told The Times of Israel Tuesday. “This is the first identifiable without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt opium use in the Levant — and I would say even in the Old World.”

8
people are currently praying.

💡 Did you know? One of the best ways you can support Worthy News is by simply leaving a comment and sharing this article.

📢 Social media algorithms push content further when there’s more engagement — so every 👍 like, 💬 comment, and 🔄 share helps more people discover the truth. 🙌

Latest Worthy News

Seven AfD Candidates Die Before German Local Elections Amid Rising Political Violence (Worthy News Investigation)
Venezuela-U.S. Standoff Escalates As Vance Defends Strike
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Vows to Keep Attacking Russian Energy Despite Criticism from Neighbors (Worthy News Radio)
Trump Revives ‘Department of War’ while U.S. Pushes for Release of Hostages
U.S. to End Support for Eastern Europe Military Training Program
Putin Warns Foreign Troops in Ukraine Would be ‘Legitimate Targets’ (Worthy News Radio)
Afghanistan Quake Leaves Villages in Ruins; Mother Forced to Leave Children Behind
26 Countries Pledge Troops to Ukraine; Concerns Rise Over Domestic Military Mobilization (Worthy News In-Depth)
China Detains Nearly 30 Evangelical Christians
Fair Use Notice:This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Worthy Christian News