Pizza is one of the most loved foods in the world. Every day, millions of people eat pizza in restaurants, at home, or with friends. It’s easy to make, easy to share, and you can eat it with your hands. But have you ever wondered where pizza came from?

Long ago, Greeks and Romans used flat, round bread as simple plates and added easy toppings like olive oil, garlic, onions, and herbs. The Romans called this early dish picea. It was simple, tasty, and filling. Over time, people added more ingredients to make it better.

By about 1000 A.D., pizza became very popular in Naples, Italy. People started using cheese, ham, anchovies, and later tomatoes, which arrived from the Americas in the 1500s. In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita tried pizza made by Raffaele Esposito. He chose red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil—the colors of the Italian flag. The Queen loved it, and that pizza was named Pizza Margherita.

At the end of the 19th century, many Italians moved to the United States and took their favorite food with them. The first pizzeria in America opened in New York City in 1905. After World War II, pizza became even more famous when American soldiers came home from Italy and told everyone about it.

Today, pizza is a global favorite. In Japan, seafood toppings are common. In Brazil, people enjoy green peas on pizza. Australians like shrimp and pineapple, and in France, some enjoy bacon and cream. In the United States, pepperoni is the top choice. With big chains in many countries, pizza has become an international symbol of sharing and joy.