Nothing gets people going more than a delicious slice of pizza fresh out the oven. Since many of us can remember, pizza has become iconic in our American culture just like a football game or Disneyland. This Italian cuisine has satisfied the taste buds of everyone who has ever had a chance to eat it, and if there’s someone out there who doesn’t like pizza then they’re probably lying to you and themselves. Whether you like it deep-dish or vegetarian, Chicago style or New York style, pizza is a universal favorite. However, no one really actually knows the tale behind its creation or how it became so popular.

Well at first, the ancient Greeks were behind the creation of the pizza, covering their baked flat round bread (plankuntos) with oils, herbs and cheese. It became the average Italian diet for the Greeks because of its convenience. Think of it as the precursor to fast food like burgers and hot dogs. The Greek colony, Neopolis (later called Naples) soon became the home of the “Neapolitan” pie for centuries to come. It wasn’t until 1522 that tomatoes were included in pizza pies. At first, tomatoes were considered as poisonous, until poor citizens of Naples decided to add them to their interesting list of ingredients which included: flour, olive oil, lard, cheese and herbs. With tomatoes included, the first actual pizza (as we know it) was created. Soon, all of Italy proclaimed that Naples had the best pies around, having visitors of all places come down to have a slice. Since the pies were made by poor families, visitors ranging from nobles to soldiers would venture out into the slums to get a slice or two.

The Neapolitan pie wouldn’t get a new makeover until the 18^th and early 19^th century. The flatbreads were now called “pizzas” and due to them being cheap and filling, their popularity remain legendary to everyone, as it was sold by street vendors to all citizens, mainly poor simple folk. In Naples, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba became the world’s first pizzeria in 1830, securing the city’s place as the pizza capital of the world (don’t worry, it is still open today for everyone to enjoy). Things got really interesting when Raffaele Esposito of Naples started making pizza his specialty, creating dishes that would be soon fit for royalty. In 1889, the King of Italy Umberto I and his wife, Queen Margherita di Savoia, heard about Esposito’s restaurant while on vacation. After enjoying a few slices on her own, Queen Margherita summoned Esposito to the palace and ordered him to bake a selection of pizza for herself. Without hesitation, Esposito created the “Pizza Margherita,” a pie that was decorated with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Without a doubt, she loved it and pizza became a dish for the ages.

It wasn’t long until Italian immigrants brought pizza along with them to the U.S during the late 19^th century. However, it wasn’t until 1950 when pizza gained popularity in the states. Now, people all around the states consumes about 46 slices annually and still can’t get enough of it. When you and the squad want something hot and ready for Saturday night or whether you just want a whole pie to yourself for certain occasions, pizza will be always there for us regardless of its history or where it came from. What truly matters is where it’s going: our stomachs.