A new study suggests that barbarian warriors in Roman-era Scandinavia, Germany, and Poland snorted stimulants during battle. The researchers found hundreds of small, spoon-shaped objects at archaeological sites, which were likely used to carry and dispense these substances. These spoons were often attached to the end of a warrior’s belt.
The study categorised 241 spoon-shaped objects found at 116 marsh and grave sites dating from the Roman era. The objects were mostly between 40-70 millimetres long with either a concave bowl or flat disk at one end, measuring 10-20mm across. They were usually found alongside warfare items.
Researchers believe that these spoons were used to measure the right stimulant dose during battle, which could produce desired effects and reduce the risk of overdosing. Exceeding the doses could have had tragic consequences for the user.
Historical records point to the use of several kinds of stimulants throughout history to motivate soldiers. Researchers suspect that Germanic communities may have used locally gathered plants with stimulant properties or transported them to ancient European battlefields.
The substances used were likely derived from poppy, belladonna, hemp, henbane, or fungi, and consumed in a liquid form dissolved in alcohol or in powdered form. The study suggests that the use of agitation stimulants may have been extensive among Germanic peoples during Roman-era military conflicts.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/barbarians-battle-stimulants-roman-times-b2657738.html