We continue our look at the work of Baron von Bibra, one of the first authors to publish a treatise on drugs. Read part one.

Elisa Guerra Doce
PhD in Prehistory
University of Reading, United Kingdom

Drug use in Europe is an ancient practice that, based on compelling archaeological evidence, dates back to Prehistory. Archaeobotanical remains of psychoactive plants have been unearthed at several archaeological sites, drug alkaloids have been detected in prehistoric artifacts and their metabolites in human bones, and various ritual artistic representations incorporate images of psychoactive plants. All this suggests that prehistoric European communities used psychoactive substances in ritual contexts, as evidenced by their recurring presence in tombs and ceremonial sites.