The document discusses the history of chocolate, from its origins in Mesoamerica to its spread throughout Europe. Cacao beans were first used as currency and medicine by the Olmec and Mayans before Christopher Columbus brought them back to Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish then introduced chocolate to Europe, where it became a popular drink among the elite. By the 19th century, chocolate had evolved into a confection as cocoa powder and cocoa butter were developed.