The History of Pizza
Pizza is one of the most iconic dishes in the world. It has a long and storied history that dates back centuries. The origins of pizza are hotly debated amongst historians, with some pointing to the ancient Greeks while others claiming it originates with the Italians. Whatever its origins, pizza has become an international phenomenon, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures.
In ancient Greece, flatbreads were prepared with oil, herbs, and cheese. These flatbreads were known as plakountos. One of the most popular versions of plakountos with the ancient Greeks was topped with figs and cheese. Tomatoes were not introduced to Italy until the 15th century, so they did not feature in the earliest types of pizza.
In the late 1800s, Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States of America. Many of the early pizzas were served in single-serving sizes, and the toppings were limited to cheese and simple sauces. Eventually, pizza evolved to include additional toppings and larger sizes.
As pizza became a more popular staple in the United States, businesses began to specialize in creating different types of pies. For example, in the early 1950s, pizza chains like Dominos and Pizza Hut began to appear. Not long after, franchises such as Little Caesar’s and Papa Johns followed suit. These companies quickly changed the way pizzas were sold, offering customers the chance to pick up pizzas ready-made, instead of preparing them from scratch.
The popularity of pizza continued to grow throughout the latter half of the 20th century. By the 1990s, frozen pizzas were being sold in supermarkets, allowing consumers to make their own pizzas at home. By the late 2000s, many cities had started to offer customized pizza delivery services. Ordering a pizza was as easy as sending a text message.
Over the years, pizza has come a long way. From its humble beginnings as a simple flatbread topped with herbs and cheese to its current status as a global phenomenon, pizza has come to be loved by many people around the world. It is a delicious dish that has withstood the test of time, and will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
