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The History of Cocoa and Chocolate
The history of the cocoa plant starts in the forest between the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. Some experts say that the cocoa plant had been growing on earth ever since 4000 years B.C. and that in the early history of the New World, the Olmec people were the first to cultivate and use it.Afterwards, we learn that the Toltecan people (9th - 12th century) had a real veneration for the cocoa plant; their King, the god Quetzalcoatl, was considered the gardener of the heaven of the gods and the guardian of this plant, which had been sent on earth as a gift to alleviate fatigue and dispense strength and wealth. We don't know who had the idea of picking cocoa seeds and then fermenting them, roasting and crushing them to obtain a paste when, in the beginning, people were only eating the acidulous refreshing pulp of the "cabosse". We know for certain that proper cultivation of the cocoa plant started with the Mayas in Yucatán and Guatemala. 
At the time of their third king (King Hunahpu), the cocoa fruit was used as money, and the payment of taxes was request in cocoa.The Mayan civilization faced period of great destruction and suffered different invasions. In 1519, at the time of Montezuma's empire, when the Aztec people witnessed the arrival of vessels full of men in shiny suits of armour, they thought the prophecy of the god Quetzalcoatl was fulfilled; they believed that these men came from the sea to give them back their sacked treasures and restore their kingdom to its ancient magnificience. They welcomed these people with great celebrations, without knowing that their aim was to conquer new lands. The Spanish invaders, at the order of captain Hernán Cortés, noticed immediately that at the emperor's court, great quantities of a dark, creamy beverage were served in golden cups. This beverage was prepared using powdered cocoa seeds with the addition of water and chilli pepper or other flavouring spices.
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