Egyptian mummies found with cocaine

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Biochemical analyses of an Egyptian mummy from around 950 B.C. revealed significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), nicotine, and cocaine in various internal organs and tissues. The presence of THC suggests inhalation, likely linked to ritual smoking, while nicotine and cocaine were found predominantly in the intestines and liver, indicating oral consumption. This discovery raises questions about potential ancient contact between the Old and New Worlds, as both cocaine and tobacco are native to the Americas. However, the absence of opiates, which were known to be used in ancient Egypt, has led to skepticism regarding the findings and their implications for historical trade routes. The discussion highlights the need for further investigation into the origins and authenticity of these substances in ancient Egyptian culture.
  • #31
zoobyshoe said:
Hmmmmm. A Native Egyptian species of coco, therefore, was completely killed off in the great coco blight of 112 BC. Or maybe some sort of coco-like plant grows down south in the territory of the high mountain gorillas, undiscovered by modern botanists, whose natural enemy is the high mountain gorilla. Could be Columbian drug cartels have been using mummies as mules: they leave South America for Europe marked as Peruvian specimens, then they get relabeled as Egyptian specimens. Get unpacked in Amsterdam and sent to Germany from there. Who knew they'd be tested for coke? Who the hell gives a mummy a drug test? The Columbian drug lord is angry! Heads will roll. The mummy maneuver has been busted!

I have been up 36 hours. Time to sleep.
:smile:
 
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  • #32
zoobyshoe said:
I think that all coco leaves would have to have been carried by boat back to Egypt in some sort of dried or preserved state. They wouldn't grow in Egypt: wrong climate. No fresh leaves or whole growing plants to figure in art. They would be only for the rich and powerful, and might only be prescribed during serious illness. By this logic we'd see them in every mummy that died from illness, but not in those whose death was sudden.

Is a variety of cocoa found anywhere in central Africa?
 
  • #33
WhoWee said:
Is a variety of cocoa found anywhere in central Africa?

I should have said coca, not coco. Regardless, the coco (cocoa) chocolate plant is not native to Africa though it is widely farmed there now. It also comes from South America.
 
  • #34
what was in the lotus flower
it was known to have a drug effect