Why did Aztecs use cacao beans as currency?

Quetzalcóatl and his partner, painting of an Aztec manuscrpit, the Codex Borbonicus. The first people to grow cacao trees were the Maya, one of the oldest civilisations on the American continent. read more

Cacao beans were both high in nutrition as well as being small, lightweight and portable, and in dried form they were durable and could last for several years even in a moist tropical climate, and even longer in the more arid homelands of the Aztecs. read more

The cocoa beans were used for currency records show that 400 cocoa beans equaled one Zontli, while 8000 beans equaled one Xiquipilli. When the Aztecs conquered tribes, they demanded their payment in cocoa! By subjugating the Chimimeken and the Mayas, the Aztecs strengthened their supremacy in Mexico. read more

The beans themselves were used to make hot or cold chocolate drinks. Both the Maya and the Aztec secular drinks used roasted cocoa beans, a foaming agent (sugir), toasted corn and water. Vanilla and/or chilli were also used as an ingredient in the drinks. Cocoa beans were also used as a currency and as a tribute (tax) from peoples ruled by Aztecs. read more