Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Earliest Chocolate Traces Found East of Mississippi River

Genetic analysis of ancient pottery from Georgia's Etowah Mounds has revealed the earliest known traces of cacao east of the Mississippi River, suggesting extensive trade networks in the ancient Americas.

The discovery, published in PLOS One, indicates that cacao, originating in Mesoamerica, reached Etowah around the 11th century. This finding expands the understanding of the spread of goods and ideas across the continent.

Cacao beans were used to create chocolate drinks, a practice documented in Mesoamerica for thousands of years. The Etowah site features large earthen monuments built by Native Americans during the Mississippian period.

Archaeologists analyzed residue from pottery sherds found in a borrow pit used for mound construction. Initial tests identified caffeine, but couldn't distinguish between cacao and native yaupon holly.

New genetic analysis confirmed the presence of cacao DNA in two sherds, with the DNA's degraded state suggesting an ancient, not modern, source. This addresses concerns about contamination.

The presence of cacao at Etowah is surprising given its tropical origins, far from the Southeast. It's unclear how it arrived, but possibilities include direct transport or trade through intermediaries.

Previous findings of cacao residue in New Mexico's Chaco Canyon suggest a potential trade route. Cacao beans, with their long shelf life, could have traveled vast distances.

This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of the Americas a millennium ago, potentially reviving theories about connections between Mississippian mound builders and Mesoamerican cultures.

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