Popcorn was discovered by two anthropologists; the oldest ears of corn were found in a cave in New Mexico. Believed to have been used for popping, the prehistoric loose kernels were dated back to 5,600 years ago. In addition to New Mexico, there were also traces of popcorn found in South America. Unearthed in burial grounds in Chile, the kernels were so well preserved they would still pop even though they were 1000 years old!