Study: Caffeine trade thrived in ancient America
Study: Caffeine trade thrived in ancient America
Russell Contreras, Associated Press
Updated 8:17 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2015
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Photo:AP
This undated photo provided by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, BLM-Anasazi Heritage Center Collections, shows,a Mesa Verde black-on-white mug at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colo., that researchers believe may have been used for caffeinated drinks. University of New Mexico anthropology professor Patricia Crown has led a study that has shown that caffeine was an international market mover, with ancient civilizations trading holly and cacao-based chocolate beverages between what is now modern-day Mexico, the Southwest, and the South. The study says the trade lasted for around 700 years, likely driven by a pre-Hispanic caffeine addiction.(Crow Canyon Archaeological Center BLM-Anasazi Heritage Center Collections via AP).
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — More than 1,000 years before Starbucks, caffeine was an international market mover, with ancient civilizations trading holly and cacao-based chocolate beverages between what is now modern-day Mexico, the Southwest, and the South, according to a new study.
Led by University of New Mexico anthropology professor Patricia Crown, the study says the trade lasted for around 700 years, likely driven by a pre-Hispanic caffeine addiction.
Previous studies found traces of cacao-based chocolate beverages in parts of the Southwest but this new study confirms their popularity and adds the holly drink that before the study was not known to be consumed in the Southwest, Crown said.
More:
http://www.chron.com/news/science/article/Study-Caffeine-trade-thrived-in-ancient-America-6496026.php