4 times drinking coffee was illegal—or even punishable by death

4 times drinking coffee was illegal—or even punishable by death

Bach wrote a cantata about it. Scholars, philosophers, and lawyers have argued over it. And every day, people swear they can’t live without it. No, not love or anything as undefinable as that—coffee.  Coffee is native to Ethiopia, but it wasn’t until the 15th-century in Yemen where it became popularized as a beverage amongst Sufis seeking to stay alert during prayer. As its rich smell, bitter taste, and caffeine content conquered hearts around t…