Intoxication in the Ancient Greek and Roman World

The book "Intoxication in the Ancient Greek and Roman World" explores the psychotropic plants and drugs used in the ancient world, revealing their usage in religion, medicine, magic, art, and recreation. It sheds light on the societies' attitudes towards intoxication based on modern scholarship from Classics, philosophy, and ethnobotany.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Intoxication in the Ancient Greek and Roman World delves into the exploration of psychotropic plants utilized in ancient civilizations, as well as the prevailing attitudes towards intoxication. Alan Sumler conducts a comprehensive survey of primary Greek and Roman sources to uncover notable mentions of ancient intoxicants such as hellebore, mandrake, deadly nightshade, thorn apple, opium poppy, cannabis, wine, and numerous other substances. Through the lens of modern-day scholarship from the fields of Classics, philosophy, and ethnobotany, the primary sources shed light on the prevalence of psychotropic plants and drugs in the ancient Greek and Roman world, while also shedding light on the diverse attitudes these societies held regarding the appropriateness of intoxication in different contexts.

The ancient Greeks and Romans had a complex relationship with intoxicants, using them for various purposes such as religious ceremonies, medical treatments, magic, artistic inspiration, and recreation. Hellebore, for instance, was believed to have medicinal properties and was used in ancient medicine to treat a range of ailments, including headaches and digestive problems. Mandrake, on the other hand, was used in magic and believed to have mystical properties, such as the ability to attract love and protect against evil. Deadly nightshade, also known as belladonna, was used as a poison and was believed to have hallucinogenic properties. Thorn apple, also known as cyanide, was used as a suicide weapon and was believed to have lethal properties. Opium poppy, on the other hand, was used for its analgesic properties and was also used in medicine to treat pain.

Cannabis, wine, and other substances were also widely used in the ancient world. Cannabis was used for its medicinal properties and was also used in religious ceremonies. Wine was used for both medicinal and recreational purposes and was considered a symbol of luxury and refinement. Other substances, such as hallucinogens, were used for their spiritual and recreational purposes and were believed to have the ability to transport the user to other realms.

The attitudes towards intoxication in the ancient Greek and Roman world varied widely depending on the context and the substance being used. In some cases, intoxication was seen as a way to transcend the ordinary and experience a higher state of consciousness or spirituality. In other cases, intoxication was seen as a dangerous and destructive behavior that could lead to harm or even death. For example, in ancient Greece, intoxication was often associated with Dionysian cults and was seen as a way to escape the constraints of everyday life and experience the divine. In contrast, in ancient Rome, intoxication was often associated with the lower classes and was seen as a sign of immorality and debauchery.

Despite the varying attitudes towards intoxication, it is clear that psychotropic plants and drugs played a significant role in the ancient Greek and Roman world. These substances were used for a wide range of purposes and were believed to have the ability to alter the human mind and body in profound ways. The study of intoxication in the ancient world provides valuable insights into the cultural, social, and medical practices of these civilizations and helps us to better understand the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.

Weight: 445g
Dimension: 236 x 159 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666920147