Traces of opiates found in ancient Cypriot vessel

Eurekalert ^ | October 2, 2018 | University of York

[SunkenCiv]

Researchers at the University of York and the British Museum have discovered traces of opiates preserved inside a distinctive vessel dating back to the Late Bronze Age.

Vessels of this type, known as 'base-ring juglets', have long been thought to have links with opium use because when inverted they resemble the seed head of the opium poppy; they are known to have been widely traded in the eastern Mediterranean ca. 1650 - 1350BC.

Researchers used a range of analytical techniques to study a particular juglet housed in the British Museum, which is a sealed vessel, allowing the contents inside to be preserved. This meant that there was a rare opportunity for scientists to investigate what components might have survived.

Initial analysis by scientists at the British Museum showed that the juglet residue was mostly composed of a plant oil but hinted at the presence of opium alkaloids, a group of organic compounds derived from the opium poppy, and that are known to have significant psychological effects on the human body.

[SunkenCiv]

The base-ring juglet resembles the seed head of an opium poppy [British Museum]

[SunkenCiv]

[heights]

Whatever you do, don’t tell Jeffery the Innocent some ancient had a good time.

[SunkenCiv]

I'm sure he first encountered opiates during his tours in Vietnam.

[a fool in paradise]

so have government officials seized it yet “for the good of society” (and personal profit)?

[heights]

Probably wants them for himself, and his boy toy Rosen.

[SunkenCiv]

From the workmanship, I'd guess that the potter was potted when he made the jug.

[a fool in paradise]

so there are traces of poppy seed oil in it.

Poppy seeds can test positive for opioid use in a urine drug test.

How do they know it was narcotic?

[SunkenCiv]

They've been "running their tests" for months, and just sobered up enough to publish the results, that's how. ;^)

[Jeff Chandler]

The base-ring juglet resembles the seed head of an opium poppy

No, it does not.

[a fool in paradise]

and the dope fiend calls a marijuana cigarette a ‘roach’ because it resembles a cockroach

- Know Your Dope Fiend

[a fool in paradise]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcuMqreUDBY

Wasn’t this originally a firesign theater bit?

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

That’s why they call it the “High Seas”.

[Jeff Chandler]

The word of the day is

JUGLET

[SunkenCiv]

Land of the Lotus Eaters.

[SunkenCiv]

I love juglet chip cookies.

[Monkey Face]

But you never share them. ;o]

‘Face

[wardaddy]

Oh God...a crisis

Send federal crime fighting grants now !

[SunkenCiv]

Send Bond. James Bond.

[SunkenCiv]

;^)