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Global Museum
Global Museum
@globalmuseum@mastodon.online  ·  activity timestamp 2 weeks ago

Archaeologists in the Netherlands have discovered a Roman settler’s stash of poisonous seeds, sealed in a hollowed-out animal bone 2,000 years ago....

The discovery is the first evidence that Romans in the Netherlands collected and stored seeds from the black henbane plant, a highly toxic member of the nightshade family. While the plant has long been notorious for its poisonous effects, it also has a reputation as a medicinal aid and hallucinogenic drug. #globalmuseum #Romans

a Roman settler’s stash of poisonous seeds, sealed in a hollowed-out animal bone 2,000 years ago
a Roman settler’s stash of poisonous seeds, sealed in a hollowed-out animal bone 2,000 years ago
a Roman settler’s stash of poisonous seeds, sealed in a hollowed-out animal bone 2,000 years ago
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Global Museum
Global Museum
@globalmuseum@mastodon.online replied  ·  activity timestamp 2 weeks ago

Ancient scholars like Pliny the Elder wrote about black henbane’s use as a treatment for fever, cough and pain. But Pliny also warned that henbane “deranges the brain”.

The plant grows like a weed—it grows naturally in and around settlements--and despite its presence in historical records, proving that Romans purposefully collected it, is difficult. This bunch of seeds, however, appears to be purposefully preserved.

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