Bitcoin ($BTC) was created in 2008 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto, who published the Bitcoin whitepaper outlining a decentralized digital currency. In January 2009, Nakamoto mined the first block, known as the "genesis block," marking the launch of the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin gained early adoption among cryptography enthusiasts and, over time, attracted broader attention due to its decentralized nature and potential as a store of value. Bitcoin's price fluctuated significantly, but it gradually became recognized as a legitimate asset. In 2017, Bitcoin reached its first major peak, sparking widespread interest in cryptocurrency.