The Origin of Bitcoin
Nine pages published during a financial crisis turned into a global monetary network. This is the timeline, from block zero to a national strategic reserve.
The Early Years
In 2008 an anonymous author writing as Satoshi Nakamoto published the Bitcoin white paper. The first block was mined in January 2009, carrying a headline about a bank bailout.
In May 2010 Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas — the first documented real-world purchase, now remembered as Bitcoin Pizza Day.
Programmed Scarcity and Institutional Adoption
Every 210,000 blocks the new-coin reward halves — 50 to 25 to 12.5 to 6.25 to 3.125 BTC — on schedule, with no vote required.
El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, US spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in January 2024, and in March 2025 an executive order established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bitcoin created?
The white paper was published in October 2008 and the first Bitcoin block was mined on January 3, 2009.
What is Bitcoin Pizza Day?
On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas — the first documented purchase of a real-world good with Bitcoin.