Researchers have uncovered traces of cocaine in the mummified brain tissue of individuals buried in a 17th-century crypt in Milan, Italy, suggesting that Europeans may have been using coca leaves two centuries earlier than previously documented. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, highlights the historical significance of this finding, as it rewrites the timeline of coca leaf use in Europe.
The individuals were buried at Ospedale Maggiore, a historic hospital known for serving the destitute. Researchers examined the brain tissue of nine naturally mummified individuals and used mass spectrometry to conduct a toxicological analysis. This analysis revealed the presence of cocaine, hygrine, and benzoylecgonine in two individuals, indicating they consumed coca leaves rather than cocaine salt, which does not produce hygrine.
Radiocarbon dating confirmed that one individual lived approximately 350 years ago, aligning with the 17th-century timeline. The discovery implies that the coca plant reached Europe much earlier than the 19th century, the previously known date for its introduction.
The study’s findings suggest these individuals may have used coca leaves for recreational or self-medicating purposes, possibly obtaining them through clandestine means as the Duchy of Milan was under Spanish rule and involved in transatlantic trade. This discovery offers new insights into the historical context of drug use in Europe, challenging existing narratives and revealing the early presence of New World substances on the continent.
This surprising discovery highlights the ongoing challenges of drug use in society. The early presence of coca leaves in Europe reminds us that communities have long faced issues related to various substances. We must strive for solutions that lead to a healthier future, free from the impact of drugs.
Source: Live Science
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