Ancient Empire Brewed Psychedelic Beer to Build Alliances

A recent study in Antiquity reveals that an ancient South American civilization intentionally spiked a beer-like drink with psychoactive drugs to strengthen social bonds and expand its influence. This discovery provides some of the clearest archaeological evidence of ancient societies using hallucinogens for both recreation and social cohesion.

The Wari civilization, which thrived in the Peruvian Andes between 500 and 1000 CE, serves as the focus of this research. Archaeological excavations at the Wari outpost of Quilcapampa uncovered evidence of large-scale brewing of chicha, a fermented drink common in the region. However, unlike other civilizations, the Wari infused their chicha with a hallucinogenic substance—an unusual practice that set them apart.

Researchers identified traces of vilca seeds near chicha brewing sites. These seeds contain bufotenine, a known psychoactive compound traditionally inhaled or smoked. Yet, excavations revealed no smoking or snuffing tools, suggesting the Wari consumed vilca in liquid form instead. While historical accounts mention adding vilca to drinks, this study provides the first archaeological proof of its use in alcoholic beverages.

More intriguingly, researchers propose that the Wari used this psychoactive chicha strategically. Unlike many ancient societies where hallucinogens were reserved for religious ceremonies or elite figures, the Wari appeared to incorporate them into large social gatherings. Mathew Biwer, a co-author of the study, noted in 2022 that this approach differed from traditional uses of hallucinogens, which were typically exclusive and ritualistic.

Vilca-Infused Chicha: A Diplomatic Tool for Wari Expansion

At Quilcapampa, vilca-infused chicha likely helped Wari elites forge alliances by offering an exclusive experience. Since vilca came from hundreds of miles away, guests couldn’t replicate it, creating a sense of indebtedness.

“The Wari used vilca in chicha to impress guests who couldn’t recreate the experience,” Biwer told CNN. “This fostered social ties and reinforced Wari leaders’ power.”

Researchers suggest Wari elites controlled vilca’s use to maintain status. While speculative, this theory highlights how the empire may have expanded influence through shared psychedelic experiences rather than force.

Feasting as a Tool for Influence: How Wari Hosts Gained Power Through Reciprocity

Biwer told Gizmodo in 2022 that Wari feasts carried social, economic, and political weight. Guests who received food and psychoactive drinks often felt obligated to reciprocate, creating long-term dependencies that strengthened the host’s influence.

“This creates social obligations, translating into real power,” Biwer noted. “Feasts and surplus allow people to build relationships where some become indebted to others, generating influence.”

Similar discoveries reveal ancient psychedelic use worldwide. In Egypt, a team led by Davide Tanasi uncovered a 200 BCE vase containing a fermented fruit drink mixed with Peganum harmala (Syrian Rue) and Nymphaea caerulea (Egyptian Blue Lotus). Syrian Rue enhances psychoactive effects, while Egyptian Blue Lotus was linked to rituals. Researchers believe this blend played a role in the Festival of Drunkenness, where participants consumed the brew, lost consciousness, and received visions from the god Hathor.

These findings shed light on how ancient civilizations used psychoactive substances for social, religious, and political purposes, shaping history in unexpected ways.

Read Original Article: New Atlas

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