5 March 1558, Smoking tobacco was introduced into Europe by Spanish physician Francisco Fernandes

5 March 1558, Smoking tobacco was introduced into Europe by Spanish physician Francisco Fernandes
5 March 1558, Smoking tobacco was introduced into Europe by Spanish physician Francisco Fernandes

On this Day in 1558, the Spanish physician Francisco Fernandes, sent to Mexico to investigate their flora, is said to have introduced tobacco to Europeans for the first time, bringing back the herb panacea.Tobacco conquered all of Europe soon thereafter. After gaining popularity in the court of Spanish King Phillip I, the following year it was introduced by the Spanish to the French aristocratic Medici family.In the picture: Gentlemen Smoking and Playing Backgammon in an Interior by Dick Hals, 1627.

Stay connected to Jaano Junction on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Koo. Listen to our Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
Jaano Junction
www.jaanojunction.com