How was honey used as a weapon?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

July 24, 2001

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The toxic qualities of azalea honey were probably well known to the ruler of Pontus, a kingdom on the shores of the Black Sea. Mithridates VI received a Greek education before ascending to the throne. He had probably read the works of Xenophon who with 10,000 mercenaries fled Persia 300 years earlier. (See Plants that Changed History July 17, 2001)

Mithridates VI had engineered a revolt of the kingdoms around the Black Sea against Roman rule. When Pompey's troops went in to recapture these areas, jars of azalea honey had been left out in 'tribute' to the advancing soldiers.

The Roman troops enjoyed the gifts of honey, but soon fell ill from the grayanotoxin produced by the Pontic azalea (Rhododendron luteum). The soldiers too sick to fight were slaughtered by the "barbarians".

Eventually, Rome regained control of the Black Sea area. But Mithridates and two of his daughters committed suicide rather than fall into the hands of the Romans.

For more information about honey toxicity, click on the link:

Click here for more information about honey toxicity

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Suggested Reading:

Who was Asclepiades Bithynus? What's in a Name? - October 11, 2002
Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) Plant of the Week - July 5, 2004
What ghost is seen in shaded woods? Weird Plants - January 30, 2003
Why are cranberry bogs flooded? Weird Plants - November 28, 2002

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