Lead exposure from drinking wine and other beverages stored in lead vessels could have contributed to mental instability, and erratic behavior, in some Roman emperors.
Lead poisoning can cause a variety of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including:
- Brain damage, especially to the prefrontal cortex controlling judgment, impulse control, and personality
- Mental fogginess, confusion, and difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, aggression, and abrupt mood swings
- Hallucinations and delusional thinking
- Mania, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior
Some examples of Roman emperors who exhibited disturbing mental states and cruelties that could potentially be linked to lead exposure include:
- Caligula - Became increasingly unstable, with bouts of anger, perverse sexuality, and delusions of grandeur.
- Nero - Started out promisingly but descended into debauchery, megalomania, and severe persecution of Christians.
- Commodus - Initially capable but later displayed bizarre behavior like fighting as a gladiator despite his imperial rank.
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