Timeline of Pizza Development:

 

Timeline of Pizza Development:

Ancient Times (3000 BC - 1000 AD):

• Early flatbreads: Various ancient civilizations, including Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, enjoyed flatbreads topped with olive oil, herbs, and sometimes cheese. These early flatbreads are considered the precursors to modern pizza.
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Medieval Period (1000 AD - 1500 AD):

• Focaccia: In Italy, focaccia, a flatbread topped with olive oil, herbs, and sometimes cheese, becomes popular. This dish is considered a direct ancestor of pizza.

Late 18th Century:

• Birthplace of modern pizza: Naples, Italy, becomes the birthplace of modern pizza. This is due to a combination of factors, including:
  • Urbanization: The city's population grows rapidly, creating a demand for affordable and portable food.
  • Poverty: Many Neapolitans are poor and cannot afford meat, so they use readily available ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and herbs to top their flatbreads.

1889:

• Pizza Margherita: Queen Margherita of Italy visits Naples and is presented with a pizza topped with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza is named "Pizza Margherita" in her honor.
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Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries:

• Italian Immigration: Italian immigrants bring pizza to the United States, with the first pizzerias opening in New York City and other major cities.

1905:

• Lombardi's: Lombardi's, considered the first licensed pizzeria in the United States, opens in New York City.

1940s:

• Chicago-style deep-dish pizza: Ike Sewell invents Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, characterized by its thick, buttery crust.

1950s:

• Frozen pizza: The first commercially available frozen pizza is introduced, making pizza more accessible to home cooks.
• Pizza Hut: The first Pizza Hut restaurant opens in Wichita, Kansas, and later becomes a global franchise.

Modern Era:

• Globalization: Pizza continues to evolve and spread around the world, with regional variations and innovative new toppings emerging constantly.

2009:

• EU protection: The European Union recognizes Neapolitan pizza as a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) product, protecting its traditional production methods.