DOPE Domestication of the Opium poppy in Prehistoric Europe

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) was one of the most important plants in history. (In)famous for its narcotic and painkilling properties, its seeds and oil are also consumed in many culinary cultures. Opium, morphine and heroin are but a few of the substances derived from its latex. From the Poppy Goddess figurine in Minoan Crete to Heroin by the Velvet Underground, passing through the 19th century Opium Wars, this plant has shaped Eurasian history and culture. Even today, the opioid crisis in the US and opioids being used to fund terrorism are key societal issues. The opium poppy has provided humanity with her best weapons against pain. However, we have not found a way to harvest those benefits without the personal and social side effects of opiates: mind-alteration, illegal trade, development of tolerance and addition. Surprisingly, its geographical origin, wild progenitor and role in prehistoric societies remain speculative. It was probably the only major crop domesticated in Neolithic Europe and one of a few species cultivated for various purposes (i.e. recreational drug, medicinal plant and a source of food and oil). The DOPE project assembles a multi-disciplinary team to resolve the question. What is the origin of the opium poppy?. We will address three specific issues: Q1) WHICH species was the opium poppies wild progenitor? Q2) WHERE was it domesticated? Q3) HOW did its cultivation spread?