Tobacco Timeline

2000 BC

Remains of tobacco leaves and pipes are found in Egyptian mummies. This is yet to be explained scientifically.

1500 BC

Pipes are used by North American Indians for ceremonial purposes and as a symbol of reconciliation.

300 BC

The Greek doctor Hippocrates used smoke inhalation from herbs as a remedy for certain female diseases.

1000

The herb "Angelikarot" is smoked in pipes in Norway.

1492

Columbus discovers (or maybe rediscovers) America and the use of tobacco.

1519

The tobacco plant reaches Europe.

1519

Jean Nicot launches the tobacco plant as a multiremedy; among the French royals, it becomes fashionable to "sneeze away the headache".

1580

Chalk pipes are mass-produced - mostly for mariners