Chocolate
Kalaya
Embedded Files
A modern recreation of Mayan chocolate (Image 1)
Background information
Background information
Chocolate was more than just a nice drink for the Mesoamericans. It was used for a multitude of purposes ranging from medicine to currency.
Invention Creation
Invention Creation
Cacao was first harvested in 1900 BCE, leading to an enriched Mesoamerican culture. It was originally ground into a powder which was added to food, enhancing taste. Then, the Maya civilization decided to use cacao seeds as currency, using them to barter. They even considered cacao to be more important than gold.
A pile of cacao shells (Image 2)
Impact
Impact
The Mesoamericans considered chocolate the "food of the gods". It was used in religious rituals by being offered to deities. Chocolate was eaten during weddings and funerals as well. It was even used in human sacrifices, helping the victim transition into the afterlife.
Historic Relevance
Historic Relevance
Although chocolate seems unimportant to us today, the historical significance is so much larger than that. The cacao seeds were used as coins, creating a system similar to the one we use today. Chocolate itself was used in marriages, symbolizing love and devotion. We do something similar today, giving chocolate on Valentine's day to show our love. This "gift of the Gods" was even used to find ancient Mesoamerican ruins. Researchers did tests on clay pots and found chocolate, allowing them to learn more about the culture of the archeological site. Overall, chocolate contributes so much to history, and shouldn't be viewed as just a sweet food.
Researchers testing ancient clay pots for signs of chocolate. (Image 4)
INTERESTING LINKS
The Mesoamerica project is a website from the university of Texas. It provides a plethora of information on the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica.
(Image 5)
Page updated
Report abuse