The surprising role chocolate played for ancient humans

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate was not first enjoyed by the Europeans, nor by the ancient Mayans. A team of scientists discovered cacao remains in the Ecuadorian Amazon dating back to 5,500 years ago belonging to the Mayo Chinchipe Marañon people.

The domestication of cacao plants, as well as pottery and architectural remains reveal a lost civilisation that lived in the Amazon rainforest - a discovery which raises more questions than answers.

Video by Daniel Tapia & Cristina Munoz

Narrator: Sam Hartford

Commissioning Editor: Griesham Taan

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1 November 2022