The 14th century BC Canaanite ceramic grave goods found at Tel Yehud, Israel have been tested and indicate early opium usage based on pottery vessel residues.
YEHUD, Isarel: Israeli archaeologists said Tuesday they had discovered opium residue in 3,500-year-old pottery pieces, providing evidence to support the theory that the drug was used in ancient burial rituals.
Israeli researchers have found the world's earliest known evidence of the use of opium, remains of which were discovered in pottery vessels dating back to about 3,400 years ago.The announcement was made by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) .
Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority discovered residue of opium in eight vessels that are shaped like upside-down poppy flowers - the plant from which it is derived.