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.

Ruins of an ancient Mayan ball court - Photo: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY OF MEXICO

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

The most notable of these is the Xtabentun tree (Bursera copallifera) - a small shrub native to Central America. Today, this aromatic resin 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 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 a place of entertainment, 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 proof of how incredibly developed this Central American civilization was 2,000 years ago.

The ancient Maya invented water filtration systems and practiced conservation-minded forestry. But they were helpless against years-long droughts 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