The Delicious History of Italian Pizza
From humble beginnings to worldwide phenomenon
Explore HistoryThe Evolution of Pizza
Ancient Origins
The concept of pizza dates back to ancient times when various civilizations made flatbreads with toppings. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all had versions of flatbread with oils and herbs.
Naples: The Birthplace
Modern pizza was born in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. The poor of the city would top their flatbread with tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies, and garlic - creating the first pizzas as we know them today.
The Margherita Legend
In 1889, pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita" in honor of Queen Margherita, topping it with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag.
Global Phenomenon
Italian immigrants brought pizza to America in the late 19th century. After World War II, returning soldiers craved the pizza they had in Italy, leading to its explosion in popularity worldwide.
Traditional Italian Pizzas
Margherita
The classic pizza with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
Marinara
Tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil - no cheese.
Quattro Formaggi
A rich combination of four cheeses: mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina, and parmesan.
The Art of Pizza Making
Traditional Techniques
Authentic Italian pizza is made with specific techniques passed down through generations:
- Hand-kneaded dough with slow fermentation (24-48 hours)
- Wood-fired ovens reaching 900°F (485°C)
- San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella di bufala
- Cooking time of just 60-90 seconds
