Galaktar is a noun that refers to a plant or substance mentioned in Hittite texts. In 1983, H. G. Güterbock conjectured that galaktar corresponds to the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) although its presence in Hittite Anatolia was uncertain. However, some clues derived from Hittite texts together with some artefacts, suggest that Güterbock’s hypothesis could be correct. Opium poppy capsules may have been known in Anatolia at least since the second half of 19th century BC, and the plant could have been introduced from the Northern route. In fact, the seeds of paver somniferum have been discovered in Northern Greece as well as in Southern Bulgaria starting from the Neolithic era until the Middle Bronze Age.
Hittite galaktar “Opium (Poppy)”? / Francia, Rita. - (2023), pp. 69-86. - ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN STUDIES SUPPLEMENT SERIES.
Hittite galaktar “Opium (Poppy)”?
Rita Francia
Primo
2023
Abstract
Galaktar is a noun that refers to a plant or substance mentioned in Hittite texts. In 1983, H. G. Güterbock conjectured that galaktar corresponds to the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) although its presence in Hittite Anatolia was uncertain. However, some clues derived from Hittite texts together with some artefacts, suggest that Güterbock’s hypothesis could be correct. Opium poppy capsules may have been known in Anatolia at least since the second half of 19th century BC, and the plant could have been introduced from the Northern route. In fact, the seeds of paver somniferum have been discovered in Northern Greece as well as in Southern Bulgaria starting from the Neolithic era until the Middle Bronze Age.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
