Fresco Painting in Pompeii Depicts Ancient Pizza-Like Dish Topped with Fruit

A recent discovery at the Pompeii archaeological site has sparked a debate among pizza lovers. A 2,000-year-old fresco painting was uncovered, depicting what appears to be a round, bready dish with toppings, resembling a pizza. However, experts argue that the painting actually represents a precursor to pizza, known as focaccia bread.

The painting, found in the atrium of a house connected to a bakery, shows the dish sitting next to a wine chalice and a variety of fruits and flowers, all arranged on a silver platter. While the doughy disk does resemble a pizza crust, researchers believe that the lack of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, two essential ingredients in modern pizza, suggests that it is not a true pizza.

Tomatoes did not arrive in Europe from the Americas until the 16th century, and mozzarella cheese was not commonly used in pizza until the 18th century. Instead, the painting likely represents mensa, a flatbread that served as both food and a plate during Roman times. It would have been topped with fruits like pomegranates and dates, as well as spices and condiments.

The discovery has sparked interest in the history of pizza and its evolution over time. Pizza, originally considered a “poor” dish in southern Italy, has now become a global phenomenon, served in Michelin star restaurants. The contrast between the humble origins of pizza and its current popularity is reminiscent of the juxtaposition seen in the painting, where a lower-class meal is served on fine silver dining ware.

While this discovery sheds light on the early precursors to pizza, there is still much more to explore in Pompeii. The city, which was buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, offers a unique opportunity for researchers to study ancient Roman life. With only two-thirds of the city excavated and studied so far, there are likely more exciting discoveries awaiting those who continue to explore Pompeii.

In the meantime, pineapple pizza haters may take solace in the fact that the first pizza precursors were likely topped with fruit, providing a historical basis for their distaste.

What evidence from the fresco painting suggests that it may represent a pizza precursor rather than an authentic pizza?

A sensational find at the Pompeii archaeological site has ignited a fiery debate among pizza connoisseurs. Recently, an ancient fresco painting dating back 2,000 years was unearthed, revealing an intriguing depiction of a round, bread-like dish adorned with various toppings – highly resembling a pizza. Yet, the world of experts is divided, as some argue that the painting represents a forerunner to pizza known as focaccia bread.

The remarkable painting, discovered in the atrium of a house connected to a bakery, showcases the dish placed alongside a wine chalice, an array of fruits, and a smattering of flowers, all elegantly arranged on a silver platter. Though the doughy disc undeniably resembles a pizza crust, researchers opine that its lack of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese – two quintessential ingredients of modern pizza – suggests that this is not an authentic pizza representation.

It is worth noting that tomatoes did not grace European shores until the 16th century, and it was only in the 18th century that mozzarella cheese became a commonplace ingredient in pizza. Consequently, it is believed that the painting more likely embodies mensa, a flatbread that doubled as both sustenance and a serving platter during the Roman era. Such flatbreads would have been adorned with fruits like pomegranates and dates, along with a medley of spices and condiments.

Undoubtedly, this discovery has ignited a fervor for the historical evolution of pizza. Originating as a humble dish in southern Italy, pizza has since transcended borders, becoming a global sensation even within the prestigious realm of Michelin-starred restaurants. The painting’s juxtaposition of a lower-class meal served upon exquisite silver dining ware poignantly mirrors the stark contrast between pizza’s modest beginnings and its current astronomical popularity.

While this newfound insight shines a spotlight on pizza’s early precursors, there remains an abundance to uncover within Pompeii’s depths. Buried beneath the ash of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in AD 79, the city provides an unparalleled opportunity for researchers to delve into the mysteries of ancient Roman life. With only two-thirds of the city excavated and studied thus far, Pompeii undoubtedly holds countless more captivating revelations awaiting those intrepid enough to continue exploring its treasured ruins.

In the meantime, those who harbor a vehement distaste for pineapple on pizza may find some solace in the knowledge that the first pizza precursors were often adorned with fruit – providing a historical foundation for their culinary preferences.