Bitcoin history

From an idea to a network: explore selected milestones in Bitcoin’s origins, protocol and adoption, with links to original records.

Selected documented milestones, not a complete history or price chart. Satoshi’s identity remains unknown. Block dates are UTC; proposals, activations and financial-product approvals are distinct events.

1. October 31, 2008
   Origins

   The white paper

   Satoshi Nakamoto announces a peer-to-peer electronic cash system on the Cryptography mailing list. The paper proposes a solution to double-spending without a central authority.

   Original source: Cryptography mailing list ↗
2. January 3, 2009
   Origins

   The genesis block

   The blockchain begins at block 0. Its coinbase embeds a Times headline about bank bailouts. The genesis subsidy of 50 BTC is unspendable, not an accessible reserve.

   Block 0Original source: Bitcoin Core · chain parameters ↗
3. May 22, 2010
   Adoption

   Two pizzas, 10,000 bitcoin

   Laszlo Hanyecz confirms on the forum that he traded 10,000 BTC for pizza, following his 18 May request. This is a well-known milestone in paying for real goods, not proof that it was the first transaction of any kind.

   Original source: Laszlo · Bitcoin Forum ↗
4. November 28, 2012
   Protocol

   The first halving

   At block 210,000 the subsidy falls from 50 to 25 BTC. The monetary schedule depends on block height; four years is an approximation, not a fixed deadline.

   Block 210,000Original source: Bitcoin blockchain · block 210000 ↗
5. August 24, 2017
   Protocol

   SegWit activates

   From block 481,824 the Segregated Witness consensus rules apply. Transaction structure and weight accounting change; Bitcoin’s monetary limit does not.

   Block 481,824Original source: Bitcoin Core · SegWit guide ↗
6. November 14, 2021
   Protocol

   Taproot activates

   Taproot activates at block 709,632, introducing Schnorr signatures and new scripting tools. It does not make all transactions private and is not a migration to post-quantum cryptography.

   Block 709,632Original source: Bitcoin Core · Taproot activation ↗
7. January 10, 2024
   Adoption

   US spot ETP approval

   The SEC approves listing and trading for a number of spot Bitcoin ETPs. The decision concerns products and market rules, not a guarantee of Bitcoin’s value or security.

   Original source: US Securities and Exchange Commission ↗
8. April 20, 2024
   Protocol

   The fourth halving

   At block 840,000 on 20 April UTC, the subsidy falls from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC. Fees are separate from the subsidy, and the halving does not automatically determine the price.

   Block 840,000Original source: Bitcoin blockchain · block 840000 ↗