In ancient conflicts, courage and resilience were essential qualities for warriors venturing onto the battlefield. However, a recent study has uncovered evidence suggesting that these attributes did not always rely solely on physical strength or emotional fortitude. Recent research published in the journal Praehistorische Zeitschrift suggests that Northern European barbarian warriors during the Roman period may have used stimulants to enhance their performance in combat.
At various archaeological sites in Scandinavia, Germany, and Poland, researchers have discovered small spoon-shaped objects attached to belts, dating back to the Roman period. These objects, featuring handles between 40 and 70 mm in length and cavities just 10 to 20 mm in diameter, lacked any practical purpose for the belt but were found alongside other war-related artifacts.
According to the study led by archaeologist Andrzej Kokowski and a team of biologists from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland, these small spoons might have been used to measure precise doses of stimulant substances before battle.