The Ancient History of Mad Honey

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We all know about mad honey and its mad effects. But do you know about its alluring beginning? Where was it first found? And who first used it? It’s all a fascinating anecdote when it comes to the history of mad honey.

The Black Sea Region

To unravel the captivating allure of mad honey’s enigmatic effects, you’ll need to journey back to the year 401 BCE. It was during this period that it captivated the curiosity of Black Sea region residents.

According to Bryant, one of the earliest accounts of mad honey can be attributed to Xenophon of Athens, a Greek historian, soldier, and student of Socrates. In his chronicle Anabasis, Xenophon recounted an incident from 401 B.C.E.

Following the Black Sea’s coastline, a Greek army under his command was returning to Greece that year after a successful campaign against the Persians. Near Trabzon, located in northeastern Turkey, the soldiers decided to indulge in local honey pilfered from nearby beehives.

After consuming the honey, they experienced severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and an inability to stand. However, by the next day, the effects were gone, allowing them to continue their journey to Greece.

Later, in 67 B.C.E., in the same region of Trabzon, Roman soldiers had a less fortunate encounter with mad honey. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey the Great, led his Roman army in pursuit of King Mithridates of Pontus and his Persian forces along the Black Sea.

The Persians strategically placed pots filled with local honey for the Roman troops to discover. Upon consuming the honey, the Romans became disoriented and incapacitated, rendering them unable to fight effectively.

The Persian army returned and inflicted significant casualties on the Roman troops, with minimal losses on their own side, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Roman soldiers.

Mad Honey in Nepal 

For millennia, the Gurung tribe of Nepal has practiced the art of harvesting and partaking in mad honey. This unique tradition has not only been a means of sustenance but also a livelihood for the Gurung community.

Until now, they used flimsy ropes and hand-made ladders to collect the honey. The bees that are in the making of mad honey are known as the giant honeybees.

Not many knew about the existence of mad honey, not even the Nepalese. It was later, when the tourists discovered the magic honey, that it came to light. Many big media houses capture the story of the honey hunters and mad honey. That is how the fame of mad honey rose in Nepal and around the world.

Mad Honey Today

Today, the scenario has slightly changed, as many people now know about mad honey and its effects. The honey hunters of Lamjung are collaborating with mad honey sellers and earning a better sum. Sellers are selling in Nepal and outside Nepal in larger bulks.

Many foreign influencers and newspapers come to Nepal for the honey hunting expedition to witness the captivating honey hunting. And to try the mad honey for themselves.

People had misconceptions about mad honey being toxic and fatal. But the rumors and myths are slowly clearing out since people have come up with their own experiences.

Note: Mad honey can only be dangerous when you overconsume it. It’s a must that you don’t overdo it. Always listen to your body and how it’s reacting to mad honey. And do not forget to read the labels.