Comment
Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Effects of Taking Drugs in Ancient RomeThe use of drugs in Ancient Rome was pervasive in its social culture. People of all ages and social standing could be found drinking, smoking and even taking opium to dull the pain of everyday life. Historians have speculated that drugs were used to create a feeling of euphoria, while also increasing a person’s energy and focus.The most popular drug in Ancient Rome was a drink called cyprian wine, which was made from pearls and cucumber seeds. Wine was so prevalent in the Roman society that it was known as the “drug of the Roman Empire”. Other drugs were more of a luxury consumed commensurately with the wealth and power of the people who used them. For example, opium was a rare commodity and thus was consumed largely by the wealthy.Not only was opium used for recreational purposes but it was also used for medicinal purposes. Opium alkaloid compounds such as laudanum and paregoric were common ingredients in cures used to treat pain and other ailments. Other medicinal compounds included herbs and minerals, as well as animal products such as the fat of bears, the blood of bulls and vipers blood.Although there is little evidence to suggest a widespread drug epidemic in Ancient Rome, it’s clear that drug use was common among Roman citizens. The effects of these drugs ranged from mild to severe, and even death in some cases. Furthermore, historians have speculated that the use of drugs played an important role in Roman culture, leading to an increase in creativity and productivity by its citizens.Legislation and Enforcement of Drug LawsDespite the prevalence of drug use in Ancient Rome, there were laws regulating their use. The Lex Villia annalis of 181 BC was an early law which imposed severe fines for anyone caught selling drugs without a licence, and even harsher punishments for illegal possession and use.In 36 BC, a law was passed that forbid anyone under 25 years of age from consuming wine. An even stricter law was enforced in 22 BC, reducing the legal drinking age to 10. The law was enforced by curb-side inspections of young children. If a child was caught with wine, they were made to vomit it out – a practice which was called “sporculare”.At the same time, laws were passed banning the public consumption of opium. Those caught consuming opium in public were often sentenced to the stockades or even death. Towards the end of the Roman period, there were even laws that forbade the consumption of drugs while on military duty.Societal Attitudes towards Drug UseWhile there were laws regulating the use of drugs in Ancient Rome, there is evidence which suggest that drug use was
Add Comment