In a remarkable archaeological discovery that unveils the intriguing customs of ancient civilizations, a team of experts has unearthed a collection of extraordinary artifacts: 2,400-year-old solid gold bongs believed to have been used by kings and nobles to smoke cannabis. These rare and exquisitely crafted treasures shed light on the rich cultural practices and recreational habits of past societies, challenging our preconceived notions about the use of psychoactive substances throughout history.
Different kinds of opiates have been used for millennia by ancient civilizations. It doesn’t come as a surprise. Numerous ancient cultures have used hallucinogens during religious ceremonies, and people ‘traded’ drugs thousands of years ago. That’s why it isn’t much of a surprise when you hear that archaeologists have found two 2,400-year-old pure gold ‘bongs’ used by Aryan tribal Kings to smoke cannabis during ritual ceremonies.
The discovery was by archeologists excavating a site in Russia to make room for the placement of power lines. The gold ‘bongs’ was excavated in addition to more than 7lbs of other golden artifacts that experts say belonged to the same culture. Archaeologists recovered golden cups, rings, and neck rings among the artifacts.
Buried and concealed
The culture that buried the artifacts made sure they would remain well protected. Archeologists report that the precious items were found buried and concealed in a stone container covered by various thick clay layers. After recovering the item, lab tests were performed. Researchers analyzed a thick black residue inside the bongs. Tests revealed that the residue comes from cannabis and opium, and experts say the items were most likely used during hallucinogenic rituals.
Unsurprising finds
This doesn’t come as a surprise. Archaeologists have made similar discoveries halfway around the world. In Peru, for example, the Chavin Culture was among the first civilizations to use opiates and hallucinogenics during rituals and ceremonies. Reports indicate that thousands of years ago, Chavin priests used drugs to control the population. Decorative elements and inscriptions suggest the items once belonged to royal chiefs of the ancient Scythians.
From America to Asia and onward
The ancient Scythians were a nomadic warrior culture that ruled over large parts of the European continent and parts of Asia between the 9th and 4th centuries AD. The items from Russia are currently considered the oldest-known golden ‘bongs.’ Evidence that the Scythians used drugs and hallucinogenics was corroborated by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who wrote, “Scythians used a plant to produce smoke that no Grecian vapor-bath can surpass, which made them shout aloud.” The dig also led to the discovery of golden cups, rings, and neck rings.
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