Cheesy and deliciously gooey, pizza is among today’s top go-to dishes to satisfy late-night cravings and to feed large crowds of hungry partygoers. Its origins, however, go back thousands of years, and the recipe has since evolved into versions designed to appeal to meat lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between. Here’s a quick, historical review of how this famous pie came to be.

Early Flatbreads 

Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks ate flatbreads of flour and water baked on hot stones. Naples is credited with elevating the taste of flatbreads by garnishing cooked doughs with olive oil, cheese, herbs, garlic, and tomatoes. Later, busy workers throughout the city liked pizza because it was portable and could be eaten in a hurry.

Italian Evolution

From its emergence in Naples, pizza became popular across Italy. In the late 1880s, Queen Margherita enjoyed slices at a local Neapolitan eatery. Humbled by her visit, the shop’s owner created a pizza in the queen’s honor. Topped with green basil, white mozzarella, and red tomatoes, the pie was designed to celebrate the colors of the Italian flag. Today, the Margherita pizza is a staple throughout Italy and around the world. 

American Popularity

As Italian immigrants made their way to America, they brought their customs, culture, and recipes with them. From New York City to Chicago and Boston, neighborhood vendors sold homemade pizza to anyone who caught the alluring aroma of meats, cheeses, and piping hot crust. Gennaro Lombardi is said to have opened the first licensed pizzeria in Manhattan in 1905. Restaurants continue to embrace and serve pies the way Italians have made them for hundreds of years, expanding flavor combinations to appease different tastes.

For more than 45 years, residents and tourists have flocked to Gondola Pizza House for authentic and delicious dishes. Located in Crossville, TN, this restaurant’s menu includes homemade pizza with fresh ingredients and your choice of more than two dozen delicious toppings. Stop by for lunch or dinner, or call (931) 484-7647 to place a carry-out order. Visit the website to view the full menu.