---
title: Mind-Altering Drugs Key to Andean Civilization Rise
description: A new article in Science suggests that mind-altering drugs played a key role in the rise of Andean civilization. The article, shared on Hacker News, points to e
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---

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### Mind-Altering Drugs Key to Andean Civilization Rise

Hacker News • September 11, 2026 at 1:25 PM ET

[×](/dev?tab=hacker-news)

A new article in Science suggests that mind-altering drugs played a key role in the rise of Andean civilization. The article, shared on Hacker News, points to evidence that psychoactive substances were central to the development of complex societies in the Andes.

According to the piece, these drugs were not merely recreational but may have facilitated social cohesion, religious rituals, and political power. The findings challenge traditional views that focus solely on agriculture or trade.

The Hacker News discussion has garnered 18 points and zero comments so far. The original article is available at science.org.

[Read original article](https://www.science.org/content/article/mind-altering-drugs-played-key-role-rise-andean-civilization)

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