2,800-year-old Siberian tomb reveals cannabis seeds and traces in human hair
Archaeologists have discovered 1,000 cannabis seeds and chemical traces of intoxication in human hair within a 2,800-year-old Scythian tomb in Siberia. The findings provide the oldest directly dated evidence of cannabis use for psychoactive purposes during ancient funerary rituals.
Why it matters
This discovery offers significant insight into the cultural and ritualistic practices of ancient nomadic societies, specifically regarding the use of psychoactive substances in death rites.
Researchers studying a 2,800-year-old princely tomb in southern Siberia have found about 1,000 cannabis seeds alongside preserved human hair containing chemical traces associated with cannabis intoxication. The discovery, reported by Phys.org, ScienceAlert and Discover Magazine, suggests that people buried in the Scythian-era tomb may have used cannabis for its psychoactive effects as part of elaborate funerary rituals involving sacrificed horses and,…
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in