Hallucinogenic Mayan Drug Found in the Most Unexpected Place

(NLDO) - Evidence of ancient magic potions and a mysterious ritual has been found in what was thought to be a Mayan entertainment venue.

According to Heritage Daily, a research team led by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History found a collection of plants, including hallucinogenic drugs, buried in the middle of an ancient Maya ball court 2,000 years ago.

The discovery comes from excavations that lasted from 2016 to 2022, at the Yaxnohcah site in Campeche, about 14 kilometers north of the Guatemalan border.

Ancient Mayan ball court ruins - Photo: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY OF MEXICO

Using environmental DNA analysis techniques, the team learned the composition of the plant bundle.

The most notable of these is the Xtabentun tree (Bursera copallifera) - a small shrub that grows in Central America. Today, this aromatic resinous tree is used to make incense, soaps, and other cosmetic products.

However, in the ancient world where scientific knowledge was not yet widespread, this plant - with its hallucinogenic properties when used in sufficient quantities - became a "mind-controlling" magic drug used in rituals.

It is also said to have medicinal properties.

In addition, the plant bundle buried in the middle of the Maya soccer field also contained aromatic wood, chili peppers and some other medicinal herbs.

Professor David Lentz from the University of Calgary (Canada), a member of the research team, said that these plants may have been buried in a ritual to bless the site when they expanded or reused it after a while.

“When they built a new building, they asked the gods for goodwill to protect the people living in it. Some people call it a spirit ritual, to receive blessings and appease the gods,” said Professor Lentz.

There is evidence that the Maya ball courts were not just places of recreation, for the Maya the game also had a ceremonial significance.

A relief depicting two ancient Mayans playing ball - Photo: ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

In addition, hallucinogenic drugs were also present at several other ceremonial sites, demonstrating the importance of medicinal substances—especially hallucinogens—in ancient Maya culture.

The fact that they knew how to utilize them for many different purposes is also evidence of how incredibly developed this Central American civilization was 2,000 years ago.

The ancient Maya invented water purification systems and practiced conservation forestry. But they were helpless against years of drought and are also believed to have cleared forests for agriculture.

So, in addition to the scientific elements that were ahead of their time, strange rituals and complex spiritual life also pervaded the Mayan culture.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/phat-hien-ma-duoc-maya-gay-ao-giac-o-noi-bat-ngo-nhat-196240501100942585.htm