The history of Bitcoin began in 2008 with the release of a whitepaper by an individual or group of individuals using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. The whitepaper outlined a new form of decentralized digital currency that would be based on a technology called the blockchain. In 2009, the first Bitcoin software was released and the first units of the currency were mined. In the early days, Bitcoin was mostly used by a small group of enthusiasts and developers, but as the years went by, it began to gain more mainstream attention and acceptance. Today, Bitcoin is considered the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, with a market capitalization of over $1 trillion.

Bitcoin, created by the pseudonymous figure Satoshi Nakamoto, was introduced in a 2008 whitepaper titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System." The first Bitcoin block, known as the Genesis Block, was mined in January 2009, marking the birth of the blockchain technology. Early adoption was limited, with Bitcoin mainly used by enthusiasts and in niche online communities.

The first major milestone was the infamous "Bitcoin Pizza Day" in 2010 when a programmer paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, highlighting Bitcoin's potential as a medium of exchange.

Bitcoin gained mainstream attention around 2013 when its price surged to over $1,000. This growth spurred increased investment, regulatory scrutiny, and the rise of numerous alternative cryptocurrencies. Despite volatility and regulatory challenges, Bitcoin remains a leading digital asset and a cornerstone of the cryptocurrency market.