Offering a perfect combination of tastiness, convenience, versatility, and nutrition, pizza is a staple of many modern diets. All appearances to the contrary, this delightful dish isn’t a divine gift from on high; it’s a human innovation with a long history. The following overview explains what everyone should know about this treat and its origins. 

How Pizza Came to Be 

Prototypical Pizzas 

Before there was pizza, there was flatbread. Many ancient cultures, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, used various toppings to add flavor to these baked specialties. The Italian version traces its roots all the way back to the Ancient Romans, who ate panis focacius – roughly translated as bread baked on a hearth. This can still be enjoyed as focaccia, a bread often dressed with herbs like rosemary and topped with cheese or vegetables. Although similar to pizza in dough consistency and flatness, it lacked a key ingredient: tomato sauce. Although Italy is popularly associated with tomatoes, they didn’t arrive in Europe until the 16th century, when they were first imported from South America by Spanish explorers. 

The Inventor of the Modern Pizza

The precise origins of pizza as we know it today are disputed. However, many assert that, like the Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel, or other Italian masterpieces, this innovation was the work of a single genius: Raffaele Esposito, a denizen of Naples and tavern owner. He created the classic pizza Margherita – a pie with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to mimic the colors of the Italian flag –  in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889. 

Pizza in America

Pizza made its first appearance in America along with Italian immigrants around the turn of the 20th century. However, it didn’t become popular until after World War II, when American troops returning home from Europe told tales of the amazing dish they sampled in Italy. From there, pizzerias began springing up all over the country, perfect for families looking for a delicious and filling meal. 

If all this talk of pizza has made you hungry, stop by Hope Pizza Restaurant in Stamford, CT, to get your fix. For over three decades, families have enjoyed this restaurant for both its delicious menu and welcoming ambiance. Call (203) 325-0660 for more information on their corporate catering service. Visit the website to see their full menu.