Traces of the ancient presence of cannabis and incense have been found in an analysis of material on two Iron Age altars discovered at the entrance to the 'sancta santorum' of a sanctuary at Tel Arad in the Beer-Sheba Valley, Israel.
These unique finds shed new light on cultic practices in biblical Judah, suggesting that cannabis was used here as a deliberate psychoactive, to stimulate ecstasy as part of cultic ceremonies.
Two altars
The "fortress mound" of Tel Arad in the Beersheba Valley in southern Israel was excavated more than 50 years ago. A well-preserved sanctuary dating from 750-715 BC.
Two limestone altars (the smaller altar is 40 cm high and about 20 by 20 cm across the top; the larger is about 50 cm high and 30 by 30 cm across the top) were found at the entrance to the sanctum sanctum of the sanctuary. Unidentified black solidified organic material was preserved on the surfaces of the altars.
The study reveals that on the smaller altar the cannabis had been mixed with animal manure to facilitate heating, while on the larger altar contained traces of incense that was mixed with animal fat to promote evaporation.
The study Has been published in the magazine Tel Aviv Journal of the Institute of Archeology of Tel Aviv UniversityAccording to lead author Eran Arie of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem,
This is the first time cannabis has been identified in the ancient Near East; its use at the sanctuary must have played a central role in the cult rituals performed there.
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The news
These remains of cannabis have been preserved in a biblical sanctuary in Israel
was originally published in
Xataka Science
by
Sergio Parra
.