![]() ![]() They were particularly popular during the Han dynasty, when Emperor Wu employed many alchemists who claimed to possess the highly sought after recipe. Picture: AlamyĬhinese alchemists began making immortality potions as early as 3000 years ago.Īlchemy was an ancient practice in many cultures of experimenting to try to enhance* people or objects.ĭespite common knowledge that immortality potions could be deadly, alchemists continued to make them until the 1700s. The tomb belonged to a noble family from the Han dynasty. Media_camera Archaeologists are digging up the ancient Chinese tomb in Henan Province. “It is the first time that mythical* ‘immortality medicines’ have been found in China,” said Shi Jiazhen, head of China’s Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.Ī large number of colour-painted clay pots and jade and bronze artefacts were also found in the tomb, as well as the remains of the occupants. These minerals were also in an immortality medicine mentioned in an ancient Taoist text, according to Pan Fusheng, an archaeologist on the project. No one knows whether the ancient Henan family ever drank their possibly magical broth.Īround 3.5 litres of the liquid was found during excavations of their tomb.Īrchaeologists first thought they had found an alcoholic drink because of the strong alcoholic smell.īut lab tests revealed the potion is mostly potassium nitrate and alunite, which are poisonous, naturally occurring minerals. Many were killed during their quest as they added toxic* metals and minerals such as mercury, lead and arsenic. It was common for Chinese emperors and noblemen to search for a recipe for an immortality* potion, often with deadly results. Ancient Taoist* writings suggest the family brewed it in an attempt to live forever, Xinhua news agency reported. ![]()
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