A startling archaeological find in southern Russia has revealed proof that the ancient Scythians, a nomadic race that ruled the region some 2,400 years in the past, smoked a concoction of cannabis and opium regularly enough to craft ornate devices to do so. A pair of large cups, nicknamed “bongs” after modern cannabis paraphernalia, were unearthed in an archaeological find first discovered while workers were preparing to install power lines in the Caucasus Mountains. As reported by New Historian last week, archaeologists have speculated that some of the artefacts in the site may be of Greek origin. Now, another use has been found for some of the golden objects excavated from this dig.

The two bucket-shaped cups were found upside-down and covered with intricate carvings on the outside that depicted creatures from mythology; on one, winged griffons are seen attacking both a stag and a horse while another carving showcases an older man engaged in combat with a larger group of younger warriors. The interior of both cups were coated with a black residue that proved to be a mix of opium and cannabis after it was analyzed by forensics experts.

The chamber where the golden bongs were discovered had been cleverly concealed beneath a layer of clay and stored within a chamber lined with broad, flat stones. In the end, nearly seven pounds of golden artifacts were excavated including two neck rings, a finger ring, a bracelet, and a collection of three cups in addition to the two cannabis cups.