Rubik's Cube Becomes Popular (1980): In 1974, Hungarian professor Erno Rubik designed a small cube, with moving pieces, to help his students study three-dimensional geometry. Once the original was built, Rubik turned and twisted the sides, pleased with his invention. It wasn't until he tried to put the cube back to its original configuration that he discovered it was an obsessive puzzle.
The Rubik's Cube (originally called "Magic Cube") was first sold in Hungary in 1977 and then sold internationally in 1980. The simple cube immediately became immensely popular all around the world.
See full article: History of the Rubik's Cube
