Around 1200, the Aztecs began to adopt cacao through trade with the Maya, integrating the beans into their elite culture. Cacao became a symbol of wealth and status, often used in ceremonial contexts and as a beverage for the nobility. This cultural exchange not only enriched Aztec society but also established cacao as a vital commodity in Mesoamerican economies.

The Aztec adoption of cacao from Maya trade became a symbol of divine favor in their epic poetry, influencing European narratives of the New World. This reverence for cacao enriched the literary landscape, intertwining themes of spirituality and cultural exchange.