The History of Chocolate: From Ancient Maya to 1700s


Chocolate has been a special treat for centuries. From the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures that first discovered the cacao plant to modern-day chocolate innovations, the story of chocolate is rich and fascinating.

A Cocoa Pod

The Beginnings

A Cocoa Pod
The Maya brought cacao to Mexico.

The Maya people moved from their homeland in Guatemala to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, bringing cacao from the rainforest with them. In Guatemala, they established large plantations dedicated to cacao cultivation.

1000

A Cocoa Pod
Cacao became currency and medicine.

In Central America, cacao beans became a form of currency. Historical illustrations depict how 10 cacao beans could purchase a rabbit, while 100 beans could buy an enslaved person. A Mexican drawing even used a basket of 8,000 beans to represent that number. Beyond their value as money, cacao beans were used to make a bitter drink, which was believed to treat coughs and fevers.

1200

Aztec Harvesting Chocolate
Aztecs prized cacao-flavored drinks.

The Aztecs began to rule Mexico. They demanded payment in the form of taxes from their subjects, often requiring cacao beans. The Aztecs used the cacao bean to prepare a drink flavored with flowers, vanilla, and honey—a highly prized delicacy.

1502

Christopher Columbus
Columbus introduced cacao to Spain.

Christopher Columbus tasted xocoatl but did not enjoy it. He brought cacao beans back to Europe.

1519

Cortes
Cortés started cacao plantations in Mexico.

Cortés arrived in Mexico, conquered the Aztecs, and recognized the value of cacao.

1528

Rich Drinking Cocoa in Spain
Spain adopted cacao as a luxury.

Cortés brought cacao to Spain, where it became a luxury item enjoyed by the wealthy.

1585

Cocoa Bean
Cacao trade began with Spain.

The first commercial shipment of cacao was sent to Spain, marking the beginning of international chocolate trade.

1615

Anne of Austria
Anne introduces chocolate to France.

Anne of Austria, a Spanish princess, married Louis XIII of France and introduced the Spanish tradition of chocolate drinking to French society.

1657

England's Chocolate House
England opens first chocolate house.

England’s first chocolate house was established by a Frenchman. At the time, chocolate was a luxury item, costing 6 to 8 shillings per pound, affordable only to the rich.

1660

Louis XIV
Chocolate shared beyond royalty.

Maria Theresa of Austria married Louis XIV of France and shared her passion for chocolate with the French people. For the first time, chocolate drinking extended beyond royal circles and became accessible to the public.

1663

Chocolate Praline
Pralines invented in Germany.

The famous pralines were invented by a chef in Genensburg, Germany, adding another dimension to chocolate’s culinary appeal.

1674

Squares of Chocolate
First solid chocolate sold.

A London coffeehouse began selling the first solid chocolate in stick form, paving the way for modern-day chocolate bars.

1711

England's Chocolate House
Chocolate reaches Vienna.

Charles VI relocated from Madrid, Spain, to Vienna, bringing chocolate with him and introducing it to Austrian society.

1720

Drinking Chocolate
Italy begins serving chocolate.

Chocolate became a popular indulgence in Italy, particularly in Florence and Venice, where it was served as a delicacy.

1732

Still Life with Chocolate Service 1770
Dubuisson improves cacao grinding.

Monsieur Dubuisson, a French inventor, created an innovative table for grinding cacao beans. Heated underneath by charcoal, the table allowed workers to stand while grinding, significantly simplifying chocolate production.

1764

England's Chocolate House
U.S. Baker Chocolate founded.

The Baker Chocolate Company was founded in Dorchester, Massachusetts, by James Baker and John Hannon. This marked the first time chocolate was produced in the United States.

1780

Steam Machine
First machine-made chocolate produced.

Barcelona, Spain, saw the production of the first machine-made chocolate, marking a milestone in chocolate manufacturing.

1780

Baker's Chocolate Brand
“Baker's Chocolate” branding starts.

Dr. James Baker began branding his products as “Baker’s Chocolate,” a name that became synonymous with quality chocolate.

1795

Steam Machine
Steam powers chocolate grinding.

J. S. Fry & Sons in England introduced steam-powered grinding for cacao beans, revolutionizing chocolate production and paving the way for industrial-scale manufacturing.

Explore more parts of the timeline.

600 BCE - 1700s 1800s 1900s 2000s

Use this free scavenger hunt to make exploring the timeline fun and educational for your students. This activity invites them to create their own mini-timelines by identifying specific dates and details from these pages. Download the free printable here to get started.


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