The Fascinating Origin of Pizza: More Than Just a Delicious Meal

Pizza, a dish cherished globally, has a rich and storied past, evolving from humble beginnings in Italy into a worldwide culinary icon. Today, pizzerias span the globe, each presenting its own interpretation of this classic food.

A Geographical and Cultural Journey

Pizza has a long history, with flatbreads with toppings being consumed by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. The ancient Romans developed a variation of pizza, using discs of bread to hold saucy dishes, creating a round precursor to the modern pizza.

The Origin Myths and Linguistic Roots

The term “pizza” in the first historical documents traces back to the 7th century AD when the Lombards introduced a new Gothic-Lombard word: bizzo, which derived from the German word meaning “bite.” It wasn't until around the year 1000 AD that the term became officially documented in written records. In 1535, the poet and writer Benedetto di Falco penned down that focaccia in Neapolitan is called pizza, making it officially known in the Campania region.

FslideUp through the Centuries: A Tale of Evolution

The evolution of pizza in Naples is a tale of culinary innovation and tradition. Initially, pizza was a wheat flour flatbread seasoned with garlic, lard, and coarse salt. Over time, olive oil replaced lard, and cheese and herbs from Roman tradition were added, resulting in the classic pizza we know today. At the dawn of the 17th century, a recipe emerged with the majestic scent of basil, created by Maestro Nicola in dialect.

Neapolitan Pride and Global Popularity

In the 19th century, the art of pizza-making was perfected in Naples, particularly in the shadow of Vesuvius. The Neapolitans are proud of their culinary heritage, and pizza has become a symbol of Italian culture and cuisine. Today, pizza shops can be found in virtually every corner of the globe, each offering its own unique twist on this iconic dish.