Editor's note: It's National Popcorn Day! We're celebrating by bringing back this tale, first published in 2014, about the history of the beloved snack. Popcorn is a truly ancient snack.

The moment you step into a movie theater, the warm, buttery aroma of freshly popped popcorn wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Crunchy, salty, and slightly sweet, it is impossible to resist.