In America long before it was discovered by Columbus, Indians used tobacco and believed it to have great medicinal properties. They smoked or chewed it and it played an important role in various rituals.
It was introduced to Europe in 1556 when it arrived in France and then in Portugal and Spain.
Its properties became known thanks to the French ambassador to Portugal, Jean Nicot, who gave it its scientific name, Nicotiana tabacum (Nicotiana tabacum), also known as Nicotiana common (rendered in Greek as Nicotiana).
From there, with the Portuguese and Spanish navigators, it was transported around the world.
In Greece, tobacco arrived in the early 17th century and was first cultivated in Xanthi and later in Macedonia.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
