Bread is actually one of the oldest foods on Earth. Pizza could be already known by Greeks, Romans, Etruscians, even Persians. Greeks baked flat, round breads spicing them up with oil and erbs.
In 18th century in Italy flat, round breads called "Pizzas" were sold in the streets. They were cheap to make and so become a very popular food for poor. They were not dressed with anything at the time.
Queen Margherit in her inspection tour around Italy saw a lot of people
eating this flat bread. Courious, she summoned her guards and ordered
them to bring her some of the bread. She liked it so much that she eat
it very offten, casing concern in the court. Nevertheless, she summoned
Chef Rafaelle Esposito from his pizzeria to the royal palace. Rafaelle
decided to make a very special pizza for his queen. He topped the bread
with tomatoes, Mozarella Cheese and fresh basil (three colors of
italian flag). The queen loved it very much and also her popularity
among simle people increased. So was born Pizza Mrgherita, now famous
in the whole world.
Variations has been made in various parts of Italy, for example, in Bologna meat were added to topping.
After
World War II, pizza spread to America, France, Spain and England. While
occupying Italy, most American and European soldiers tasted pizza for
the first time.
Today International Pizza Day is celebrated in February 9.
