 Smoking's history dates back to as early as 5000–3000 BC, when the agricultural product began to be cultivated in Mesoamerica and South America; consumption later evolved into burning the plant substance either by accident or with intent of exploring other means of consumption.The practice worked its way into shamanistic rituals.Many ancient civilizations – such as the Babylonians, the Indians, and the Chinese – burnt incense during religious rituals.