Scientists have found the remains of drugs in the remains of people who lived in the territory of modern Spain 3 thousand years ago

In Spain, archaeologists found ritual objects, including human hair, at a Bronze Age excavation site. When examining the samples, scientists found the remains of narcotic substances.

Heritage Daily reports that archaeologists excavating the cave found a Bronze Age burial. Strands of human hair were found there, which were used in a unique funeral rite.

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These hair samples were dyed red. The stash also contained other items, including a blade, a hairpin, a comb, and a wooden bowl with a spatula.

"Chemical analysis of the hair using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) revealed traces of the alkaloids ephedrine, atropine, and scopolamine, which confirms the use of various alkaloid plants by the inhabitants," the report said.

Some compounds are found in plants of the nightshade family, such as mandrake and bellflower, and could be used to make medicines. These substances can dramatically change perception and cause hallucinations, confusion, and delirium. Ephedrine, which was found in the remains, is a stimulant that is also derived from plants.

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Although drug traces have been found in vessels and tools at other Bronze Age sites, researchers say this is the first time direct evidence of drugs in the bodies of ancient peoples has been found. The authors of the work believe that the fact that hair clippings were dyed only in certain people corresponds to the idea of honoring shamans.

Es Carrith Cave in Menorca was used around 3,600 years ago and served as a ritual and burial site for 800 years, researchers say. Inside the cave was a burial chamber in which 210 people were buried. Often, after the burial ceremony, the hair of the deceased was placed in a wooden container next to him.

The Israel Antiquities Authority recently announced that the world's oldest metal fishing hook had been found in Ashkelon. It was used to catch sharks.

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