Cryptocurrency began with Bitcoin in 2009, introduced by an unknown individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. The idea was to create a decentralized digital currency that operates without intermediaries like banks. The journey started with a whitepaper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,” which laid out the foundation for blockchain technology.

Bitcoin’s first significant milestone came in 2010 when 10,000 BTC were exchanged for two pizzas, marking its first real-world transaction. Over time, other cryptocurrencies, called altcoins, emerged, inspired by Bitcoin’s success but offering unique features like faster transactions or smart contracts.

From early skepticism to becoming a multi-trillion-dollar industry, cryptocurrencies have sparked innovation and debate, reshaping finance and technology.