The Hisory of Pizza

While pizza is often regarded as America’s favorite dish, its origins trace back to Italy rather than the United States. It has surpassed steak, tacos, pasta, and hamburgers as the food most Americans would prefer to enjoy for the rest of their lives. However, the question remains: Is pizza truly an American creation, or does it rightfully belong to its Italian heritage?

Numerous cultures may assert that they were the first to create pizza. The history of this beloved dish can be traced back to ancient civilizations, depending on how one defines it. Pizza evolved from flatbread, a staple that dates back to the ancient Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Egyptians. One of the earliest references to a precursor of pizza can be found in the works of Virgil, one of Rome’s most celebrated poets. In his epic poem, the Aeneid, written in 19 BCE, he describes Trojan citizens who, after fleeing their city’s destruction, arrived in Latium, Italy, feeling famished. After consuming a meal of mushrooms and herbs on stale round loaves, they also indulged in serving cakes. The hero’s son, Ascanius, famously remarked, “Look, we are eating the plates on which we dined!”—marking a significant moment in pizza’s history.

Although Ascanius may have been the first to highlight the practicality of serving delicious food on dough rounds, it is pizza’s convenience and flavor that have established it as the preferred choice for late-night snacks and quick lunches. So, what factors contributed to pizza’s widespread popularity?

Who Created Pizza?

In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy traveled to Naples, seeking a change from their usual French haute cuisine. They requested to sample some local dishes. Chef Raffaele Esposito of Pizzeria Brandi, along with his wife, prepared three pizzas for the royal guests. One of these featured tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, with the colors representing the Italian flag—red, white, and green—though a similar recipe had been documented as early as 1866. Queen Margherita favored this particular pizza, which was subsequently named Pizza Margherita. Her appreciation for this humble dish led her to send a letter of thanks to the pizzaiolo, which remains displayed in the restaurant today. Although her endorsement elevated the dish’s status, it did not gain widespread popularity in Italy until after World War II.