Have you ever wondered about the History of Pizza?
The Origins of Pizza: A Journey Through Time
My family just got back from a five-week vacation in Greece. I absolutely love Greek culture—everything about it! One of my favorite activities after lounging by the sea is picking a favorite local restaurant and sampling some Mediterranean staples. I’ve noticed a lot more Italian restaurants popping up on the islands. Well, of course, I must order the pizza. The island of Agistri had a restaurant called Avli, which had wood-fired pizza. Honestly, it was the best pizza I had on vacation. I always try to order a pizza if the opportunity arises. However, being in Greece made me wonder about the origins of pizza. I was in a country that had started so much in our world. Like democracy and the art of questioning. So it had me questioning how the pizza started it’s miraculous journey. Well, here is a blog post dedicated to a little research I did about the history of pizza.
Pizza, IHO, is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes worldwide. When you’re at a party, it’s often pizza for dinner. At the end of the work week, we will have pizza to celebrate the long week. A good pizza is a prize at the end of the work week, it’s a celebratory circular ribbon. Pizza has a rich and fascinating history spanning centuries and continents. From its humble beginnings as just a simple flatbread to the many types we create today, Pizza’s story is a testament to culinary evolution and pizza innovation. Nowadays, we tackle so many types of pizza that it’s hard to pinpoint who makes it best.
Ancient Roots: Flatbreads and the Early Forms of Pizza
The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations where flatbreads were a staple of daily life. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, people baked flatbreads that were often topped with herbs, oils, and other simple ingredients. These early versions of pizza served as a convenient and filling meal for people of all ages and walks of life.
In ancient Greece, a dish known as “plakous” was made by baking flatbreads topped with oil, herbs, and cheese. The Romans later adopted this idea and created their own version, “panis focaccias,” which was similar to what we now know as focaccia bread. These early forms of pizza were practical and flavorful, laying the groundwork for the dish we love today. I used to believe pizza came before flatbread, but I now know the ancient truth behind the flatbread dish.
The Birth of Modern Pizza: Naples, Italy 
The true birthplace of modern pizza is Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. Naples was a bustling port city with a large working-class population at that time. These Neapolitans needed affordable, quick, and tasty food, and pizza fit the bill perfectly. I feel like pizza is still a working-class dish. When people make it too fancy, they lose the primary principles behind its origins.
Let’s start with street vendors selling their pizzas, simple flatbreads topped with local ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies (EWWW), and garlic. Tomatoes, which were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, became a key ingredient in the evolution of pizza. Initially, they were thought to be poisonous, but by the 18th century, they had become a staple in Neapolitan cuisine. I still love to dress up a pizza with tomatoes, garlic, and basil. You just can’t go wrong with a meal like that/
One of the most famous moments in pizza history occurred in 1889 when Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. To honor her visit, a local pizzaiolo (pizza maker) named Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza, named “Pizza Margherita” in her honor, is still one of the most popular pizza varieties today.
Pizza’s Global Journey: From Italy to the World
While pizza had long been a beloved dish in Naples, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that it began to spread beyond Italy. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them to the United States, where pizza quickly gained popularity, especially in cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
In the post-World War II era, pizza’s popularity exploded in the United States, thanks in part to returning soldiers who had developed a taste for it while stationed in Italy. Pizzerias began to pop up across the country, and new variations of pizza, such as the deep-dish Chicago style and the thin-crust New York style, emerged.
As pizza continued to gain popularity in the U.S., it also began to spread to other parts of the world. Today, pizza is enjoyed in countless variations across the globe, from the traditional Neapolitan pizza to creative interpretations featuring ingredients like pineapple, seafood, and even chocolate.
Conclusion: A Culinary Icon with Endless Possibilities
Pizza’s journey from ancient flatbreads to a global culinary icon is a story of tradition, innovation, and cultural exchange. Its versatility and universal appeal have allowed it to transcend borders and become a beloved dish in nearly every corner of the world. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita, a hearty deep-dish, or a unique fusion creation, pizza’s rich history and endless possibilities continue to make it a favorite for people of all ages and backgrounds. All this talk about pizza is making me super hungry…for PIZZA!