Cocoa was consumed at least 4000 years ago by ancient pre-columbian civilizations. The plant was first domesticated about 1500 years ago. It was introduced to the Europeans during Cortés' conquest of the Aztecs. It was served to a soldier as a drink in a glass, and was enjoyed so much that the Spaniards brought it back to Europe. There the cocoa was developed into the solid chocolate that we know and love today.
