No, our prehistoric ancestors did not eat chocolate as we know it today because the chocolate we consume is a product of human invention and cultivation. The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), from which chocolate is derived, is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, particularly Mesoamerica (present-day Central and South America). It is believed that the consumption of chocolate originated with ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
The Olmec civilization (1500–400 BCE) is considered to be one of the earliest cultures to have used cacao. However, the way they consumed it would have been very different from the modern chocolate we eat today. They likely consumed cacao as a bitter, frothy beverage made from roasted cacao beans.
The Maya civilization (250–900 CE) and later the Aztec civilization (1300–1521 CE) also highly valued cacao. The Maya, in particular, considered cacao as a sacred beverage and used it in religious rituals and social gatherings. They often combined it with spices and chilies to create a flavorful drink.
The transformation of cacao into the sweet and creamy chocolate we know today began during the colonial period when Europeans encountered cacao in the Americas. The Spanish explorers brought cacao beans back to Europe, and over time, various culinary innovations led to the development of chocolate as a sweet treat.
In the 19th century, advancements in chocolate production, including the invention of the cocoa press, allowed for the separation of cocoa butter from cocoa solids, enabling the creation of solid chocolate bars and other chocolate confections.
In conclusion, while our prehistoric ancestors may have come across cacao trees and possibly even used cacao beans in various ways, they did not eat chocolate in the form we enjoy it today. The sweet and creamy chocolate we know is a product of human ingenuity and cultural developments over centuries.