Discovering Maya magic medicine that causes hallucinations in the most unexpected place

Evidence of ancient magic potions and a mysterious ritual have been found in what appears to be a Mayan recreation site .

According to Heritage Daily, a research team led by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History found a collection of plants, including hallucinogenic drugs , buried in the middle of a 2,000-year-old ancient Maya ball court. before.

This discovery comes from an excavation that lasted from 2016 to 2022, at the Yaxnohcah site in Campeche, about 14km north of the Guatemala border.

Ruins of ancient Mayan ball court - (Photo: MEXICO NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY).

Using environmental DNA analysis techniques, the team learned the composition of the plant bundle.

Most notable among them is the Xtabentun tree (Bursera copallifera) - a small shrub that grows in Central America. Today, this fragrant tree is used to make incense, soap and other cosmetic products.

However, in the ancient world where scientific knowledge was not yet widespread, this plant - with its hallucinogenic properties when used in sufficient amounts - became a "mind-controlling" magic drug used in rituals. ceremony.

It is also believed to have medicinal properties.

In addition, the bundle of plants buried in the middle of Maya's soccer field also contains fragrant wood, chili peppers and some other medicinal herbs.

Professor David Lentz from the University of Calgary (Canada), a member of the research team, said these plants may have been buried in a ritual to bless the site when they expanded or reused it after a long period of time. time.

"When they built a new building, they invoked the goodwill of the gods to protect those who lived in it. Some called it a spirit ritual, to receive blessings and appeasement Gods' - Professor Lentz said.

There has been evidence that Maya ball courts were not just places for entertainment because for the Maya, this game was also ceremonial.

A bas-relief depicting two ancient Mayans playing football - (Photo: CHICAGO INSTITUTE OF ART).

In addition, hallucinogenic magic drugs have also appeared in a number of other ritual sites, showing the importance of medicinal herbs - especially hallucinogens - in ancient Mayan culture.

The fact that they knew how to utilize them for many different uses is also evidence of how amazingly this Central American civilization developed 2,000 years ago.

The ancient Maya invented water filtration systems and adopted conservation-conscious forestry practices. But they are helpless in the face of years-long droughts and are also said to have destroyed forests for agriculture.

Therefore, in addition to the scientific elements ahead of their time, strange rituals and complex spiritual life also cover Mayan Culture.