The Origins of Chocolate
The Maya civilization was the first to cultivate cacao, starting around 1000 BC. From there, the plant spread across much of Latin America, especially in regions of present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. For these ancient cultures, cacao beans were more than food—they were currency. In some cases, a single slave could be traded for just 10 cacao seeds.
After the Mayans, the Aztecs continued cacao cultivation and added deep spiritual and religious value to it. Cacao beans were offered to gods during sacred rituals. The Aztecs were also pioneers in consuming cacao as a drink. They roasted and ground the beans, then mixed them with water and spices like chili or black pepper to create Xocoatl—a bitter, frothy drink believed to relieve pain and boost energy. They also consumed chocolate in solid form by grinding the beans into a coarse, dense paste.
From Sacred Ritual to European Luxury
Cacao arrived in Europe thanks to Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who was received by the Aztec emperor Montezuma as the reincarnation of the god Quetzalcoatl—according to legend, a divine figure expected to return in 1519. Among the many treasures Cortés received was an entire cacao plantation.
The Spanish introduced cacao to Europe and transformed the bitter drink into the sweet, rich version we know today. They replaced spicy ingredients like chili with sugar and vanilla, creating the foundation for modern hot chocolate. By the 17th century, chocolate had spread across Europe and moved from religious monasteries into commercial production.
The Rise of Chocolate in Italy
In this period, Turin (Torino) became Italy’s chocolate capital. Even today, the region is responsible for nearly half of the country’s total chocolate production. The industrial revolution played a major role in transforming chocolate manufacturing. Steam-powered machines replaced the need for manual grinding, allowing for mass production and wider accessibility.
By the late 1700s, chocolate was no longer a luxury reserved for elites, but a treat available to (almost) everyone.
