Many people think veganism is a new trend, but the history of veganism actually stretches back thousands of years. The word “vegan” was created in 1944 by Donald Watson when he founded The Vegan Society, but the idea of living without harming animals has appeared again and again in different places, religions, and cultures throughout time.
Let’s take a fun and simple journey through the past to see how plant-based living grew into what it is today!
⭐ Are Humans Naturally Vegan?
Scientists once assumed early humans were always meat-eaters, but new fossil discoveries tell a different story. Some of our earliest ancestors had teeth and jaws better suited for chewing plants — more like gentle grazers than hunters!
Over time, humans became “opportunistic eaters,” meaning they ate whatever was available as climates changed. But the roots of plant-focused eating go all the way back to the beginning of human history.
⭐ Veganism vs. Vegetarianism Through History
Today we think of “vegetarian” and “vegan” as different, but long ago the two meanings were almost the same.
- In the early 1800s, “vegetarian” meant no animal products at all.
- Before that, it was known as the Pythagorean diet, named after the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras.
As time passed, people adopted different styles of vegetarian eating — and veganism became the version with no animal products at all, powered by compassion and a desire to avoid harm to animals.
⭐ The Philosophy Behind Veganism
The idea of not harming animals is older than most people realize. Over 2,000 years ago, Pythagoras and his followers believed animals deserved kindness and respect.
He was often teased for his lifestyle, but his ideas spread far and wide. Even today, many vegans share his belief that our actions should cause as little harm as possible.
⭐ Plant-Based Living in Ancient Egypt
You might be surprised, but ancient Egyptians may have been some of the earliest plant-based eaters.
Scientists studying mummies discovered that their diets were mostly plant-based, with very little fish — even though they lived right next to the Nile River!
They also believed in metempsychosis, the idea that a soul can move from one body to another. If your grandmother could be reborn as a lamb, you probably wouldn’t want to eat that lamb for dinner.
⭐ Religions that Supported Plant-Based Living
Vegan and nearly vegan lifestyles appear throughout many religions:
In India (268–232 BCE)
Emperor Ashoka, inspired by Buddhism, ordered that no animals be slaughtered in his kingdom.
Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism all taught non-violence toward animals, creating long traditions of vegetarian eating.
In the Western World
Early Christian groups, ancient Greeks, and medieval communities all had periods where plant-focused diets were encouraged — often as a way to live more peacefully and spiritually.
⭐ Veganism as a Personal Lifestyle Choice
As history moved forward, plant-based living started to become a personal choice rather than only a religious practice.
Here are a few examples:
Benjamin Franklin
Became vegetarian at 16, saying it made him feel clearer and healthier.
Leonardo da Vinci
Raised vegetarian and later became vegan, writing that he could not harm animals.
Isaac Newton
Wrote that a plant-based diet made his mind “more vigorous.”
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg
Created early plant-based foods like granola to improve public health.
Rosa Parks
Civil rights hero who followed a vegetarian diet for health and compassion.
Susan B. Anthony
A women’s rights leader who also supported vegetarianism and animal protection.
For thousands of years, people have chosen plant-based living for health, compassion, spirituality, or environmental reasons — just like many do today.
⭐ Is Veganism Really New?
Not at all! The history of veganism shows that people around the world have been exploring plant-based living for thousands of years.
Whether motivated by kindness, health, religion, or sustainability, humans have shown time and time again that a plant-powered life is possible — and often preferred.
And today, veganism continues to grow as more people reconnect with this long, rich history.
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