Le pavot en Grèce ancienne : aspects alimentaires, pharmaceutiques et cultuels

The paper deals with the spread and use of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum, L.) in the ancient world, with particular reference to Greece. As we know from written sources and archaeological research, different parts of the plant -the capsule, seeds, etc.- were used for several purposes. The seeds were eaten and, as many ancient recipes prove, were used in preparing cakes and sweets. The most important part of the poppy, however, was the opium, the milky sap obtained from immature capsules. The opium was used in pharmacopoeia and medicine and was particularly appreciated for its psychoactive power. The plant was related to many gods and goddesses of the ancient Greek pantheon (Dionysos, Asklepios, Hera, Hekate, etc.). Above all, the poppy was an attribute of Demeter and probably played a role in the ritual of the Mysteries taking place in the attic sanctuary of Eleusis. Archaeological finds seem to prove that the plant was used for religious purposes in other contexts as well, like the colony of Lokroi Epizephyrioi in Magna Graecia.