The history and early spread of Asian rice from its centers of origin and diversity in east and south Asia are presented here. Rice originated during the early Holocene. From eastern China, it was taken during prehistoric times to the northeast, including Korea and Japan, and also directly across the west Pacific Ocean–East China Sea to the Philippines and southeast Asia. The spread of rice to central and west Asia also happened during prehistoric times, most probably from south Asia. The history and spread of rice to Africa beginning from about the 8th century CE is outlined. Rice was first taken to the Americas by the early slaves, and later by European trade. Rice had earlier reached southern Europe in about the 15–16th centuries.