THE HISTORY OF PIZZA

The History of Pizza — From Ancient Flatbreads to Global Icon

Introduction
Pizza is one of the world’s most beloved foods, but its history stretches back thousands of years. Long before the modern pizza emerged in Naples, ancient civilizations were already baking flatbreads topped with oils, herbs, and simple ingredients. Here is a detailed look at how pizza evolved through time.

1. Ancient Origins (6,000+ Years Ago)
Ancient Egyptians baked early flatbreads, sometimes seasoned with herbs. Ancient Greeks made “plakous,” a flatbread topped with garlic, onions, and cheese. Persian soldiers baked flatbreads on their shields and topped them with cheese and dates. These early dishes were not “pizza” yet, but they laid the foundation for the concept of bread + toppings.

2. Roman Flatbreads
The Romans created “panis focacius”, the ancestor of modern focaccia. They topped it with olive oil, herbs, and sometimes cheese. Roman writings by Virgil and Cato mention flatbreads eaten with various toppings — a clear precursor to pizza.

3. The Birth of Modern Pizza in Naples (1700s–1800s)
Naples, Italy, is the true birthplace of modern pizza. In the 18th century, the city’s working-class population needed cheap, filling food — and pizza became the perfect solution. Street vendors sold flatbreads topped with tomatoes, garlic, lard, anchovies, and cheese. Tomatoes, once thought poisonous, became a staple topping by the late 1700s. Pizza became a symbol of Neapolitan street culture.

4. The Creation of Pizza Margherita (1889)
According to tradition, in 1889 the Neapolitan pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy. It featured: Red tomatoes White mozzarella Green basil These colors represented the Italian flag, and the pizza was named Pizza Margherita. This moment helped elevate pizza from street food to a national symbol.

5. Pizza Arrives in the United States (Late 1800s–Early 1900s)
Italian immigrants brought pizza to the U.S., especially to New York, Chicago, and Boston. The first U.S. pizzeria, Lombardi’s, opened in New York City in 1905. Pizza became popular among immigrant communities before spreading nationwide. After World War II, returning soldiers who had tasted pizza in Italy helped boost its popularity.

6. Global Expansion (1950s–2000s)
Pizza exploded in popularity worldwide thanks to: Chain restaurants like Pizza Hut (1958), Domino’s (1960), and Papa John’s (1984). Regional styles such as Chicago deep-dish, New York thin crust, and Detroit-style pizza. Frozen pizza becoming a household staple. By the late 20th century, pizza had become a global cultural icon.

7. Pizza Today
Today, pizza is one of the most popular foods on Earth. Modern variations include: Neapolitan-certified pizzas (VPN) Gourmet pizzas with truffles, burrata, or seafood Vegan and gluten-free pizzas Fusion pizzas (e.g., sushi pizza, tandoori pizza) Despite endless variations, traditional Neapolitan pizza remains the gold standard.