Honey has many health benefits and has been used as a natural sweetener long before sugar became widely avaliable in 16th century.
However it can be much more than that. Also called Mad honey was used as the first chemical weapon in times of Romans. Mithridates the Great was a king of an ancient empire of Pontus, located in today's Turkey. Many kings before him were poisoned. That's why he was obsessed to poison himself deliberately in regular small doses to boost his immune system to act as an antidote. He is also know by his use of mad honey as a weapon to deter roman attackers from conquering his lands.
Mad honey is collected by the bees from specific rhododendron flower which contains grayanotoxin. Even in small quantities can cause serious poisoning, hallucinations, vomiting and death in some cases. Some natives use it as a immune system booster, however its not recommended to eat more than a teaspoon at once.
In 18th century it was traded around Europe as a kick to be mixed with drinks. It gave drinks greater high then alcohol could deliver. With much cheaper alcohol in 19th century mad honey was forgotten.
King Mithridates was faced with Roman attackers in 67 B.C. at Black Sea region under command of general Pompey. Mithridates secretly planted chunks of mad honeycomb on their way. Roman soldiers unknowingly ate toxic honey and became an easy target for defending forces.
As written in history books, overwhelmed by enemies, Mithridates wanted poison himself but was unable to find effective one due to his strong immune system. So he ordered his soldiers to kill him with a sword. His research in immunology is still used today.
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