Mind-altering substances have been used by humans for thousands of
years. In fact, ancient societies sometimes encouraged the
consumption of drugs. Focusing on the archaeological study of how
various entheogens have been used in the past, this volume examines
why humans have social and psychological needs for these
substances. Contributors trace the long-term use of drugs in
ancient cultures and highlight the ways they evolved from being
sacred to recreational in more modern times.By analyzing evidence
of these substances across a diverse range of ancient cultures, the
contributors explore how and why past civilizations harvested,
manufactured, and consumed drugs. Case studies examine the use of
stimulants, narcotics, and depressants by hunter-gatherers who
roamed Africa and Eurasia, prehistoric communities in North and
South America, and Maya kings and queens. Offering perspectives
from many different fields of study, contributors illustrate the
wide variety of sources and techniques that can provide information
about materials that are often invisible to archaeologists. They
use advanced biomolecular procedures to identify alkaloids and
resins on cups, pipes, and other artifacts. They interpret
paintings on vases and discuss excavations of breweries and similar
sites. Uncovering signs of drugs, including ayahuasca, peyote,
ephedra, cannabis, tobacco, yaupon, vilca, and maize and molle
beer, they explain how psychoactive substances were integral to
interpersonal relationships, religious practices, and social
cohesion in antiquity.
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