$BTC
Bitcoin has become globally known through a series of key events and technological and economic developments. Here are the stages that contributed to its fame:
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### **1. The Mysterious Beginning (2008–2009)**
- In **October 2008**, an individual (or group) under the name **"Satoshi Nakamoto"** published a white paper titled **"Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System"**, describing the idea of a decentralized digital currency.
- In **January 2009**, the Bitcoin network was launched and the **first block (Genesis Block)** was mined, which included a hidden message referring to the global financial crisis (a reference to the lack of trust in traditional banks).
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### **2. Early Adoption (2010–2012)**
- **2010**: The first real transaction with Bitcoin when **Laszlo Hanyecz** bought pizza for **10,000 BTC** (this is now known as "Bitcoin Pizza Day").
- Developers and technology enthusiasts began discussing Bitcoin in forums like **BitcoinTalk**, helping to build a small but enthusiastic community.
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### **3. Media Rise (2013–2017)**
- **2013**:
- The price of Bitcoin reached **$1,000** for the first time.
- The **Cyprus financial crisis** made people look for safe alternatives to banks, increasing interest in Bitcoin.
- **2017**:
- A massive price surge to **~$20,000** due to **speculative frenzy** and the emergence of easy trading platforms like **Coinbase**.
- The beginning of the **altcoin boom** such as Ethereum.
