"Athena Contested: Psycho-active Substances in Classical Greece", an illustrated presentation by Dr. Alain Touwaide, Research Associate, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History.

Classical Greece - especially the culture of Athens - made of rationality a principle of self-identification, best represented by the city’s goddess, Athena. Recent anthropological research has suggested, however, that Classical Greek culture also included non-rational components - among others the use of natural psycho-active products such as ergot, deadly nightshade and poppy. But, apart from some archaeological remains of contested interpretation, evidence is lacking. This talk will examine the topic and bring to light overlooked textual material. This new evidence will make the question of irrationality in Antiquity more complex, since textual data will show evidence of a good knowledge of psycho-activity.

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at 12 Noon, at the DEA Museum, Arlington, VA. Attendance is free of charge and reservations are not required. While there, please don't forget to visit the two exhibitions currently on view at the Museum: "Target America: Traffickers, Terrorists & You," and "Illegal Drugs in America: A Modern History".