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Oldest evidence of drug use discovered in fossilized teeth in Indonesia
Archaeologists in Indonesia have found traces of drug use dating back 25,000 years, based on analyses of human teeth.
Researchers have possibly discovered the oldest evidence of drug use by humans, dating back around 25,000 years. This evidence was found in the fossilized teeth of two skeletons on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, where traces of chewing betel nuts were detected. Betel nuts continue to be widely chewed in the region and contain psychoactive substances that may affect users' consciousness.
The discovery was made by a team of Australian and Indonesian archaeologists. According to the researchers, the wear on the teeth and the chemical traces indicate prolonged use of betel nuts, suggesting that experiments with psychoactive substances have been occurring for thousands of years in prehistory. This finding comes from a study published in the scientific journal Science Advances.
The traces on the teeth suggest that hunter-gatherers on Sulawesi used the nuts for their psychoactive effects. This points to an early use of substances that goes further back in human history than previously assumed. Experts say that this evidence sheds new light on the social and cultural practices of these early communities.
Marc De Bie, an archaeologist from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, noted that the discovery is remarkable but not unexpected. The study provides insight into the cultural habits of prehistoric societies and how they interacted with psychoactive substances, which may have played a role in their rituals and daily lives.
This research is significant because it shows that the use of narcotics is not merely a modern phenomenon. It offers a new perspective on our ancestors and their interaction with the natural world. The findings may also contribute to our understanding of how earlier peoples used substances to support their lifestyles and social structures.
The discovery of these historical practices also raises questions about the broader context of drug use in prehistory and how this behavior has evolved into contemporary patterns. Further studies will be needed to fully understand the implications of these findings.