Pizza is a staple of family dinners and get-togethers with friends. It’s not only delicious but also convenient, with many restaurants offering delivery right to your front door. But did you know this classic Italian food has a traveled a long way from its early origins to its current form? Read on to get some interesting insights into the history of this popular savory pie.

An Overview of Pizza’s History 

Origin

This classic combination of leavened dough and cheese originated in 997 A.D. in Gaeta, a land ruled by the Grecian Byzantine Empire. Later on, this port became a part of Italy, which explains why the savory pie’s origin is traced back to the boot-shaped European country.

How the Flavors Developed

As time went on, pizza became known as a dish comprised of flatbread and topped with a blend of cheese, herbs, and oil. However, it wasn’t until 1522 that tomatoes were introduced to the mix of ingredients and became an essential part of the recipe. Since these ingredients were available at low prices, the earliest versions of this Italian cuisine favorite were sold as street food.

The creation of marinara sauce in the 1800s proved to be another game-changer in the art of pizza-making. The popular Margherita variety was named after the Italian queen at the time, whose visit to Naples in 1889 was marked by the presentation of a baked pie comprising mozzarella, basil, and tomato. The idea was to represent the colors of the Italian flag, and the dish received much appreciation from the royal family.

Modern Take on This Italian Food

The arrival of Italian immigrants to the United States in the 1900s is another important chapter for these savory pies. Lombardi’s in New York is considered to be the pioneering pizzeria in the United States, popularizing the thin-crust version — or New York-style pizza — far and wide. Over time, the Italian creation gained massive popularity all over America. In fact, restaurants in Chicago came up with their own variety, deep dish, as a variant of the original.

Whenever you’re craving authentic Italian pizza flavors, stop by Original Christo’s in Lexington, NC, for dinner. The restaurant has been a favorite among locals for nearly 35 years and has an extensive selection of both traditional and specialty pizzas. The staff emphasizes using only the freshest ingredients, and their dough is made from scratch every day. Check out their menu online, and place your delivery order by calling (336) 243­-2532.