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History of Pizza Timeline
(6th century BCE - Present)The history of pizza traces the evolution of one of the world's most popular foods, from flatbreads topped with simple ingredients in ancient civilizations to the iconic Neapolitan pizza of 18th-century Italy, and finally to its worldwide spread and countless regional variations after Italian immigration brought it to America. More Less
Ancient Origins
Athenaeus describes sacrificial flatbreads with coulis
150
Athenaeus of Naucratis, a 2nd-century grammarian, wrote that certain flatbreads were topped with fruit puree called coulis and used as sacrificial offerings.
Image source: History of pizza
Pizza in Naples
Flatbread dishes evolve in Naples
1500 - 1750
Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, between the 16th and mid-18th century.
Galettes called 'pizza' sold as street food in Naples
1550
In 16th-century Naples, some galettes were referred to as 'pizza'; it was known as a dish for poor people, particularly as street food, and was not considered a kitchen recipe until much later.
Tomato possibly reaches Naples via Pedro Álvarez de Toledo
1550
It is said that the tomato reached the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, when it was part of the Spanish Empire, through either Pedro Álvarez de Toledo in the 16th century or viceroy Manuel de Amat, who may have gifted seeds to Neapolitans in 1770 on behalf of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
Pizza marinara created in Naples
1734
The most popular and famous pizzas from Naples included the 'Marinara', created in 1734, one of the earliest classic pizzas.
Poor of Naples add tomato to flatbread
1780
By the late 18th century, it was common for the poor of the area around Naples to add tomato to their yeast-based flatbread, thus the pizza began.
Pizza Margherita dates from 1796–1810
1796 - 1810
The 'Margherita' pizza dates from 1796–1810, long before its supposed creation for Queen Margherita in 1889. It was later presented to the Queen upon her visit to Naples in 1889 on account of its tomato, mozzarella, and basil topping reminiscent of the Italian flag.
54 pizzerias documented in Naples
1807
According to documents discovered by historian Antonio Mattozzi in the State Archive of Naples, in 1807, 54 pizzerias existed; listed were owners and addresses.
Riccio describes pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
1830
In 1830, a certain 'Riccio' described a pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in the book Napoli, contorni e dintorni.
Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba opens
1830
In the first decades of the 19th century the dish changed with the opening of the first pizzerias with tables in Naples. The first was Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba in 1830.
Image source: Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba
Key Facts
- Ancient civilizations including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans ate flatbreads topped with oils, herbs, and cheeses, serving as early precursors to modern pizza.
- The tomato arrived in Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, but was initially believed to be poisonous; it wasn't widely used on pizza until the 18th century in Naples.
- Modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy, where it was a popular street food among the working class by the late 18th century.
- In 1889, pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita pizza, topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag, honoring Queen Margherita of Savoy.
- Pizza gained massive popularity in the United States after Italian immigrants introduced it in cities like New York and Chicago in the early 20th century, eventually becoming a global phenomenon.
Source
This History of Pizza timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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