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Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. In almost every country, from Italy, the United States, Indonesia, Japan, to Brazil, pizza can easily be found in various shapes and flavors. This round-shaped food with flatbread dough combined with tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings has become an international culinary symbol.
However, did you know that the pizza we know today has a very long history? Pizza didn’t immediately come with melted mozzarella cheese and pepperoni topping like now. This food has developed over thousands of years, starting from simple flatbreads made by ancient peoples to becoming one of the world’s culinary icons.
This article discusses in full the origins of pizza, its development in Italy, its spread to various countries, and why pizza has become a food loved by people around the world.
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The Beginning of Flatbread: The Forerunner of Pizza
The history of pizza actually began long before Italy was known as a pizza-making country. Around 6,000 years ago, various ancient civilizations knew flatbread.
The Ancient Egyptians were one of the first peoples to develop dough fermentation techniques using natural yeast. They make flatbreads that are baked on hot stones.
Meanwhile, the Ancient Greeks made a food called plakouswhich is a flatbread topped with olive oil, herbs, garlic, and cheese. This food is similar to modern pizza, although it doesn’t use tomato sauce.
The Persians also had a tradition of making flatbreads baked on metal shields when fighting. The bread is topped with dates and cheese.
During the Roman Empire, people knew various types of flatbread served with olive oil, vegetables and spices. This is where the basic concept of pizza began to develop.
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Why is Italy the Birthplace of Modern Pizza?
Although many ancient nations have known flatbreads, Italy—especially the city of Naples—is recognized as the birthplace of modern pizza.
In the 16th to 18th centuries, Naples was one of the largest port cities in Europe. The city is filled with workers, fishermen, and lower class people who need food that is cheap, filling, and easy to carry.
The food sellers then make flatbreads which are given various simple toppings such as:
olive oil
garlic
oregano
anchovy
cheese
This bread is sold on the streets at very cheap prices so it has become people’s favorite food.
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The Arrival of the Tomato Changed the History of Pizza
One of the biggest changes in pizza history occurred after the Spanish brought tomatoes from South America to Europe in the 16th century.
Initially, European people considered tomatoes poisonous because they came from the nightshade plant family.
But the poor in Naples began to try cooking tomatoes as a sauce for flatbread.
The result turned out to be very delicious.
This is the beginning of the birth of pizza with tomato sauce.
Without the introduction of tomatoes to Italy, modern pizza likely would not have existed.
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Pizza is the Food of the Neapolitan People
In the 18th century, pizza had become a daily food for the people of Naples.
At that time pizza was made using:
bread dough
tomato sauce
garlic
oregano
olive oil
Sometimes anchovies or cheese are added if the buyer can afford to pay more.
Pizza is sold by street vendors as well as small so-called shops pizzeria.
This food is considered to be the food of poor people.
The nobility even viewed pizza as a lower class food.
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The Birth of Margherita Pizza
Useful Nutritious Foods
The most famous event in pizza history occurred in 1889.
King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visit Naples.
A famous pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito was asked to make a special dish for the queen.
It makes three types of pizza.
The Queen’s favorite pizza uses:
red tomato sauce
white mozzarella cheese
green basil leaves
These three colors represent the colors of the Italian flag.
In honor of the queen, the pizza was later named Pizza Margherita.
Since then, pizza has become known to the upper classes of society.
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Spread of Pizza to the United States
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Italians migrated to the United States.
They brought various culinary traditions, including pizza.
New York City is the center of pizza development in America.
In 1905, one of the first pizzerias in America was founded, which then introduced pizza to the wider public.
Initially pizza was only consumed by the Italian community.
But after World War II, pizza’s popularity increased rapidly.
American soldiers who served in Italy returned home with a love of pizza.
Since then pizza restaurants began to appear throughout America.
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The Birth of Various Styles of Pizza
As time progressed, pizza underwent many modifications.
Pizza Naples
Is a traditional Italian pizza.
Its special features:
thin dough
flared edges
a little topping
baked using a very high temperature wood oven
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Pizza New York
Has a large size.
The dough is thin but flexible so it can be folded when eaten.
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Chicago Deep Dish
Different from regular pizza.
The dough is very thick like a pie.
The cheese is under the tomato sauce.
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Sicilian pizza
Square shape.
Has thicker bread.
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Roman pizza
Crispier than Napoli pizza.
Usually cut into a rectangular shape.
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The Evolution of Pizza Toppings
At first pizza only used a few ingredients.
Now pizza toppings are very diverse.
For example:
pepperoni
sausage
mold
tuna
chicken
shrimp
paprika
pineapple
smoked meat
corn
onion
black olives
In Indonesia, pizza has also adapted to local tastes.
Some typical Indonesian toppings include:
shady
balado chicken
chili sauce
chicken satay
beef floss
local cheese
Chili sauce
This adaptation shows that pizza is a flexible food and can be adapted to local culture.
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Pizza as a Symbol of World Culture
Nowadays pizza is no longer just an Italian food.
Pizza has become part of global culture.
Many international companies make pizza their main product.
Pizza is also a favorite food for various events such as:
birthday
sports competition
family party
office meeting
new year celebration
The ease of serving and variety of flavors make pizza accepted by almost all groups.
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UNESCO recognition
In 2017, UNESCO established the art of making Neapolitan-style pizza (The Art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo) as World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This recognition is given not only because of pizza as a food, but also because of traditional techniques in making dough, baking using a wood oven, as well as the social culture that developed around pizzerias in Naples.
This further strengthens Italy’s position as the home of modern pizza.
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Pizza in Indonesia
Pizza became known in Indonesia in the 1980s through international franchise restaurants.
Over time, many local businesses have created pizza with typical Indonesian characteristics.
Now pizza can be found from luxury restaurants to home businesses. Many people even make their own pizza using a home oven, Teflon, or air fryer.
Local ingredients such as sausages, shredded chicken, tuna, corn, chilies, and domestically produced cheese make pizza easier for Indonesians to enjoy.
The photo you attached also shows an example of a homemade pizza with toppings such as sausage, melted cheese, tomato sauce and pineapple pieces. Pizzas like this reflect how Italian dishes have adapted to Indonesian tastes.
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Why is pizza so popular?
There are several reasons why pizza is a favorite food all over the world.
First, pizza is very versatile. Toppings can be adjusted to suit each person’s culture, religion or preferences. Second, pizza is easy to share so it is suitable for enjoying with family or friends. Third, the manufacturing process is relatively simple, starting from the dough, sauce, to toppings that are easy to modify. Fourth, pizza has a balance of taste between savory, sour, sweet, and a crunchy or soft texture that many people like. Lastly, developments in food delivery technology have made pizza more accessible to people in various countries.
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Conclusion
The journey of pizza is a long story of culinary evolution spanning thousands of years. Starting from simple flatbreads made by ancient peoples, pizza developed rapidly in the city of Naples, Italy, after the use of tomatoes as a sauce became popular. From the people’s food, pizza then moved up a class thanks to the birth of Pizza Margherita which was inspired by the colors of the Italian flag. Waves of Italian emigration brought pizza to the United States, where it gave rise to a variety of new styles and innovations before eventually spreading throughout the world.
Today, pizza is not just a food, but also a symbol of cultural fusion, creativity and togetherness. Each country has its own characteristics in preparing pizza, including Indonesia which presents various variations with a touch of local taste. Even though it has undergone many changes, the essence of pizza remains the same: a flatbread combined with simple ingredients but capable of delivering a special taste. This is what makes pizza remain one of the most loved foods in the world, as well as proof that a simple dish can develop into a culinary legacy that transcends national and generational boundaries.
