The Romans are known to have been one of the world’s most influential civilisations.
But even they may have enjoyed a little escapism – in the form of powerful hallucinogens, a study suggests.
Archaeologists have discovered hundreds of black henbane seeds in a hollowed bone at the rural Roman settlement of Houten-Castellum in the Netherlands.
These seeds originate from a poisonous plant, which is part of the nightshade family, and have been used as both a medicine and a narcotic.
Until now, no conclusive evidence of the use of black henbane has been discovered from Roman times.
But experts said the placement of seeds inside a hollowed-out sheep or goat bone, sealed with a black birch bark tar plug, indicate the seeds were stored there intentionally around 2,000 years ago.
Historic texts suggest that henbane may have been used as a painkiller and sleep remedy.
But others warn it can also have strong hallucinogenic effects – causing loss of muscle control, dilation of pupils, visions and even induce a sense of flying.
While this is the first example of black henbane being found in a container from the Roman period, it is not clear exactly what its intended use was, the researchers said.
Hellbound and Down 