How long has Opium been around?

Answer 1

No one knows exactly how long opium has been around. It is also a debated subject. However, opium IS known to have been used at least since the rise of the Mesopotamians in the Mid-East (between Tigris and Euphrates Rivers). This was one of the first civilizations man ever created, if not THE first. The plant was called "Hul Gil" by the Mesopotamians, which means "Plant of Joy". It is thought that the Mesopotamians used opium both medicinally and recreationally. After this, opium spread all throughout the world, and was picked up by the Greeks, Romans, and the Oriental peoples as well as many others. Alexander the great highly prized opium, and always gave it to his troops to ease the pains of battle and marching. This is partially why his troops were so successful, brave, and effective. So basically, opium has been with us since the very dawn of civilization. The plant is believed to have been on earth even far earlier, before written history ever existed (maybe before humans). Recently, archaeologists supposedly uncovered the remains of Neanderthals (and ancient Homosapiens) who had, of all things, fossilized remains of opium poppy seeds, pods, flowers, and plants near their bones and artifacts! With this discovery, archaeologists now believe that opium has been used since the very dawn of man! It is by far, the oldest medicinal plant in the history of mankind! (And one of the most valuable and practical!)

If you want to learn more about the origins of opium, you can learn a LOT more from researching, than from what I can tell you. You can do searches for things like, "Opium in Mesopotamia", "Opium in Fertile Cresent", "Opium and Early Man", "Origin of Opium", "History of Opium". You get the idea... Lots of great info out there, and much more than the basics I provided for you. Also, its a VERY interesting topic, that very FEW know about! GOOD LUCK!