Germans on drugs: first evidence of narcotics use by barbarian warriors

While in ancient Greece and Rome the use of narcotics is documented by archaeologicaland written sources, the barbarian peoples outside the Roman Empire lacked any evidence. A new study by Andrzej Kokowski examined the tiny metal "spoons" on the belts of warriors from various parts of Europe, including the Czech Republic. Evidence suggests they may have been used to dispense and consume drugs.

Researchers from Marie Curie-Sklodowska University have collected information on 241 objects shaped like tiny spoons that have been discovered over decades in 116 locations across Europe. In particular, from swamps and graves in modern-day Scandinavia, Germany and Poland. Some have also been found in the Czech Republic (e.g. Mikulov, Mušov, Třebušice).

Most of the spoons are about 40-70 mm long, with either concave cups at the end or a flat disc 10-20 mm in diameter. They were mostly found together with items used in warfare and were attached to a man's belt. Some may also have been suspended from the neck.

Professor Kokowski's team also investigated which stimulants might have been available to Germanic communities of the Roman period. They concluded they may have had access to a wide range of substances, including poppies, hops, cannabis, rowan, and various mushrooms. The study also looked at the known effects of ergot at the time.

Stimulants have historically been widely used to motivate, suppress fear, and enhance soldiers' performance. Some substances may have been taken orally in liquid form, e.g. dissolved in alcohol, or in powder form, or "snorted". Spoons could be used by Germanic warriors as a measuring cup to measure the correct dose to achieve the desired effects and reduce the risk of overdose.

Researchers believe that, as with modern medicine, this knowledge of substances was not widely available. They were probably prepared by experts and resold. Drying made it possible to transport plant material over relatively long distances, which may have encouraged trade and exchange in times of war. The drug market was defined by the number of warriors. It had to create not only a steady demand, but also requirements for adequate product quality.

Experts have concluded that the Germanic peoples of northern Europe may have consumed these substances in large quantities during the military conflicts of the Roman period. Stimulants were probably also used outside of wars, e.g. in medicine or ritual ceremonies: "Awareness of the effects of various kinds of natural preparations on the human body seems to have carried with it a knowledge of theirThe study concludes by stating that the knowledge of their properties, methods of application and the desire to consciously use them for healing and ritual purposes.

Roman Němec

Sources: archaeology.org, phys.org, degruyter.com

• You can see more metal detector finds from the Roman period here: Roman Period - Findings

Small spoons found in Muscovy

Some spoons were part of belt fittings

Barbarian warrior using drugs