Used "scraped honey": as soldiers killed Roman columns during the third mitridate war

In focus, technology appeared its Telegram channel. Subscribe to not miss the most info and interesting news from the world of science! This incident occurred during the Third Mithridate War, when the Roman Empire expanded its power in Anatolia between 73 and 63 BC. However, the Roman troops were confronted with a formidable opponent in the person of the Pontic Tsar Mithridates VI, who was unreasonably called the ossic king.

Mithridates had a reputation worthy of Bondiana, because he became obsessed with poisons after his father was killed with one of them. Known for his mind and admiration for pharmacology, the ancient ruler successfully developed tolerance to several deadly poisons, regularly using subtle doses - a practice that is still known as mitridmatism today. When the Romans arrived at the scene, Mithridates were more than ready to demonstrate his unconventional military tactics.

According to historical sources, his troops were allowed poisoned arrows at the invaders, produced "wasps and wild animals" in Roman siege tunnels and even created chemical weapons from oil. During the attack in 65 BC. Mithridat allies used "frantic honey" to destroy the whole Roman column.

It is produced, which feeds on the nectar of a certain type of rhododendron, and it contains a high concentration of grayotoxins, a class of neurotoxins that can cause hallucinations, loss of coordination and nausea in small doses. More substance can even cause serious cardiac complications. According to the ancient historian of Strabo, allied troops strategically placed bowls with "crazy honey" on the path of the Roman warriors.

As soon as the soldiers drank honey and lost their orientation, the ancient people easily attacked and deal with them. Although it was not the first case of poisoning of the ancient military unit with honey, the Greek commander Xenophon noted that hundreds of his soldiers suffered from vomiting and diarrhea, but none of them died. Toxins in the case of poisoning by Graianotoxin quickly metabolizes the body, which makes poisoning rarely fatal.

However, Mithridat troops managed to catch Roman soldiers at the height of their madness caused by honey, and successfully destroy them. This minor victory, however, did not break the course of the war, which eventually led to the destruction of the Pontic kingdom by the Roman army. As for Mithridates himself, according to legend, after defeat, he tried to commit suicide, but his body was so accustomed to the action of poison that he had to ask his guard to complete the case.