The Discovery at Tel Arad
The question asks about the use of cannabis in an ancient Jewish shrine. Let's break down the answer step by step.
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Archaeologists discovered traces of burnt cannabis on an altar within an ancient Jewish shrine at Tel Arad, located in the Negev desert, approximately 35 miles south of Jerusalem.[1] The shrine dates back to the 8th century B.C.E., specifically between 760-715 B.C.[1] [5] This discovery provides the earliest known evidence of cannabis use in religious rituals within the Kingdom of Judah.[1] [5]
Significance of the Findings
The shrine at Tel Arad contained two limestone altars. Chemical analysis of the residues on these altars revealed the presence of cannabis on one and frankincense on the other.[1] [5] The cannabis was mixed with animal dung, which likely facilitated a lower-temperature burn, allowing for the release of psychoactive compounds.[5] The frankincense was mixed with animal fats to promote evaporation.[5]
Implications and Context
The discovery is significant because it suggests that cannabis played a role in the religious practices of the Judahites.[1] The presence of cannabis, specifically the psychoactive compound THC, indicates its use in ritual ceremonies to induce altered states of consciousness.[5] The shrine's layout and the presence of frankincense suggest possible connections to practices in the First Temple in Jerusalem.[1] [6]
The findings at Tel Arad have implications for understanding the religious practices, trade routes, and cultural exchanges of the time.[1] The cannabis may have been imported from regions like southeastern Russia or China, indicating long-distance trade networks.[1] [6] The use of frankincense, a known incense ingredient, further supports the idea of trade with South Arabia.[5] The shrine's use of cannabis, alongside frankincense, suggests that the Judahites may have incorporated mind-altering substances into their worship practices.[5]
The discovery of cannabis residue on an altar at the Tel Arad shrine provides the earliest known evidence of the use of cannabis in religious rituals within the Kingdom of Judah, dating back to the 8th century B.C.E.[1] [5]
Authoritative Sources
- Archaeologists Identify Traces of Burnt Cannabis in Ancient Jewish Shrine. [Smithsonian Magazine]↩
- Judahite Shrine of Tel Arad from 8th century B.C.E. has residue of cannabis and of frankincense. [Biblical Archaeology Society]↩
- New Study Finds Cannabis and Frankincense Were Used in Judahite Worship. [Bible Archaeology Report]↩
- The Temple of Tel Arad. [Bible Discovery TV]↩
- A biblical-era Israeli shrine shows signs of the earliest ritual use of marijuana. [Science News]↩
- New Research Reveals Cannabis and Frankincense at the Judahite Shrine of Biblical Arad. [Popular Archaeology]↩
- Holy Smoke! Archaeologists Find Cannabis Residue At Ancient Jewish Temple. [Religion Unplugged]↩
- Cannabis Detected on 2,700-Year-Old Altar in Israel. [Archaeology Magazine]↩
- Detecting Cannabis in an Ancient Shrine at Tel Arad, Israel. [Labroots]↩
- Judahite worshipers in a temple at Tel Arad burned cannabis as part of their ritual worship some 2,700 years ago, new research has revealed. [Armstrong Institute]↩
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