The first cola wars began in the 1700s—long before Coke and Pepsi

Those who think of sodas as fizzy poison may be surprised that the first steps towards turning the world's blood caramel-colored was officially meant to make the population healthier. Three different people fought to find a way to reproduce the healthful soda water to the public. Only one of their techniques survives. Welcome to the first iteration of the cola wars.

Source: The first cola wars began in the 1700s—long before Coke and Pepsi