Technology8/2/2025β€’Gizmodo

Bronze Age Humans Got High on Psychoactive Betel Nuts

Bronze Age Humans Got High on Psychoactive Betel Nuts

Researchers have discovered evidence of Bronze Age humans using psychoactive betel nuts as a recreational drug. By employing a new technique called "microattenuated total reflectance" (micro-ATR), they were able to analyze residues on ancient pottery shards, making the invisible visible. The study focused on ceramics excavated from a site in Thailand, dating back to around 2100-1500 BCE. The analysis revealed the presence of areca nut, the primary ingredient in betel quid, a chewable stimulant widely used in parts of Asia today. This finding suggests that the practice of using betel nuts as a psychoactive substance has ancient roots, predating its documented use by several centuries. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the cultural and social practices of Bronze Age societies, shedding light on their use of mind-altering substances. The new analytical technique has proven to be a valuable tool in uncovering the hidden histories of human behavior and practices, allowing researchers to uncover the invisible past.

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