Scientists have recently found a fresco in the ruins of Pompeii that portrays what could be an early form of Italian pizza. This ancient Roman city was buried under ash and debris from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost two millennia ago.
The painting, discovered on a house wall, has led experts at the archaeological park to suggest that it represents a distant precursor to the beloved modern dish, MailOnline reported. It is worth noting that Pompeii is located a mere 14 miles from Naples, widely recognized as the birthplace of pizza famously known today.
2,000-Year-Old Fresco Depicts 'Hospitable Gifts' to Guests
Archaeologists made a significant discovery during recent excavations of Regio IX in the heart of Pompeii. The building, which had been partially excavated in the 19th century, underwent further excavation this year, nearly 2,000 years after the city was buried by volcanic ash.
Unveiled in the process was a fresco featuring a depiction of a flatbread alongside a wine goblet. According to experts at the Unesco World Heritage Park, this fresco may have portrayed a type of flatbread that was consumed with fruits like pomegranates or dates, as well as adorned with spices and a pesto-like sauce.
According to BBC News, it is believed to be a representation of the "hospitable gifts" offered to guests, a tradition influenced by Greek customs dating back to the 3rd to 1st centuries BC, which were described by writers of the imperial Roman era such as Virgil and Philostratus.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii, highlighted the contrast depicted in the fresco, presenting a simple and modest meal that embodies elements of rustic and sacred traditions, alongside the opulence of silver trays and the refinement of artistic and literary representations.
Zuchtriegel further drew a connection to the world-famous dish of pizza, which originated as a humble creation in southern Italy. He emphasized how pizza has evolved from being a "poor" food to a global sensation, even finding its place in Michelin-starred restaurants.
The discovery of this fresco adds another layer to the rich culinary history and cultural significance of Pompeii, reinforcing the notion that the roots of beloved dishes can be traced back to ancient times.
Doubts on the Discovery: Experts Say It's Not a Pizza
Despite looking like a pizza, some believe that the painting does not meet the technical criteria of the famous Italian dish. However, experts believe it could be a distant relative of the modern dish despite lacking ingredients such as tomato and mozzarella.
As per ABC News, the introduction of tomatoes to Europe from the Americas occurred centuries after the creation of the painting, and the discovery of mozzarella in nearby Naples is believed to have played a role in the invention of pizza in the 1700s.
The fresco depicts a focaccia-like bread placed on a silver plate, with a wine chalice placed beside it. The house where the artwork was found was connected to a bakery, which had been partially excavated in the 19th century and underwent further exploration in January. The contrast between the modest meal and the luxurious setting, symbolized by the presence of a silver tray, draws parallels to the concept of modern pizza.
While the fresco does not represent a pizza as we know it today, it holds significance as a potential precursor to this iconic food. Coldiretti, an agriculture lobby in Italy, seized upon the discovery to highlight pizza as a national treasure. Pizza currently accounts for one-third of the food budget of foreign visitors in Italy and generates annual revenues of $25 billion (15 billion euros) in the country.
The fresco serves as a reminder of the enduring popularity and cultural significance of pizza, which has become a beloved and globally recognized culinary delight.
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