A History of Pizza
Introduction
- Pizza is the world's favorite fast food, consumed globally.
- In the US alone, 3 billion pizzas are sold annually (46 slices per person).
- The history of pizza reflects migration, economics, and technological changes.
Early History
- Ancient versions of pizza: flatbreads topped with savouries.
- Mentioned in Virgil's Aeneid as a meal for Aeneas and his crew.
Development in Naples
- Late 18th century Naples saw the birth of modern pizza.
- Naples grew rapidly under Bourbon kings due to trade and rural migration.
- Many people lived in poverty; pizza provided cheap, easy food.
- Street vendors sold pizzas that were simple and flavorful.
- Toppings included garlic, lard, cheese (caciocavallo), fish (cecenielli), basil, and tomatoes.
- Tomatoes were unpopular and cheap, making them a common topping.
- Initially criticized by food writers as a poor man's food.
Royal Approval
- Italian unification changed pizza's status.
- 1889: Queen Margherita of Italy favored a pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, named pizza margherita.
- Pizza began to gain national recognition in Italy.
Spread Beyond Naples
- Migration in the 1930s helped spread pizza throughout Italy.
- WWII further popularized pizza among Allied soldiers.
- Postwar tourism introduced regional specialties like pizza across Italy.
- New ingredients were added to pizzas to suit local tastes.
Pizza in America
- Late 19th century: Italian emigrants introduced pizza to the US.
- 1905: First pizzeria, Lombardi's, opened in New York City.
- Pizza adapted to local American tastes, with variations like Chicago deep-dish and Rocky Mountain pies.
- Hawaiian pizza introduced ham and pineapple toppings.
Technological and Economic Changes in the US
- Post-1950s, pizza became more standardized yet varied.
- Rise of frozen pizzas due to domestic conveniences like fridges and freezers.
- 1960: Dominos founded, popularized pizza delivery.
- Pizza chains expanded internationally, offering diverse toppings.
Conclusion
- Pizza has evolved significantly from its origins.
- Despite changes, pizza remains a recognizable dish.
- Cultural, economic, and technological evolutions are reflected in pizza's history.
Further Reading
- Alexander Lee, a fellow at the University of Warwick, details more in his book Humanism and Empire: The Imperial Ideal in Fourteenth-Century Italy.
A recipe for pizza marinara