2,000 Year Old Painting of a Pizza Proves the Italians Created This Dish!

 

According to the BBC, the recently discovered fresco emerged on a partially destroyed wall within a Pompeii residence's corridor.

Researchers exploring the preserved Roman city of Pompeii have discovered an artwork that potentially shows an early version of what would become Italy's famous pizza.

Photo: Italian Ministry of Culture

The circular bread shown in the ancient fresco "could represent an early predecessor of today's popular dish," according to Italian heritage officials. However, it lacks the traditional toppings required to classify it as a true pizza.

The artwork was discovered in a residence's entrance hall adjacent to a bakery during current excavations at the southern Italian site. The find occurred this year during ongoing exploration of Regio IX, one of nine sectors comprising the historic settlement.

The structure had undergone partial excavation during the 1800s before work resumed in January this year—approximately two millennia after the volcanic disaster that consumed the city.

Experts at the Unesco-listed archaeological park indicate the newly-revealed fresco showing the bread, depicted alongside a chalice of wine, suggests it may have been consumed with fruits like pomegranates or dates, or enhanced with herbs and a primitive pesto preparation.

Site director Gabriel Zuchtriegel noted the artwork's portrayal of the contrast between "modest, basic fare" and "ornate silver platters." "It's impossible not to draw parallels with pizza, which similarly originated as humble fare in Italy's south before achieving global popularity and earning a place in fine dining establishments," he remarked.

Additionally, researchers recently discovered three human remains near the kitchen area's furnace within the building's service section, officials reported.

The Vesuvius volcanic catastrophe in AD 79 preserved Pompeii under volcanic debris, effectively freezing the city and its inhabitants in time. Since its 16th-century discovery, the location has provided invaluable archaeological insights.

The archaeological park lies approximately 23 km (14 miles) from Naples—the contemporary birthplace of the Unesco-recognized Italian pizza.

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Margie Padgitt is a 40-year veteran chimney business owner, author, and filmmaker living in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact: margepadgitt@gmail.com 

Best Wood-Fired Restaurants in Kansas City

To the wood-fired connoisseur, there is nothing that can compare to food – any food -- cooked in a wood-fired oven. This is because the taste imparted to the food from the wood is something that can’t be obtained from gas or electric ovens.

A team of taste testers was sent to each of these restaurants – on multiple occasions -- over the past year in order to sample some of their wonderful dishes. The results were unanimous: Eat wood-fired whenever possible.

Rock & Run Brewery and Pub, 110 E Kansas St., Liberty, Missouri offers an exotic brew pub menu which includes appetizers such as deviled eggs, mini bruschetta, and house-made meatballs, salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, and of course, pizza. Rock & Run’s specialty pizzas include a white pizza with chicken, bacon, white garlic sauce, and mozzarella & provolone cheeses, a pulled pork pizza, Reuben pizza, and a super-hot diablo pizza.  Of course, Rock & Run offers an extensive wine and beer list since the restaurant brews their own beer on site.  A must for any visit is to top the meal off with campfire s’mores cooked in the wood-fired oven which are to die for. www.rockandrunbrewery.com

Pizza Bella, 18^th & Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri offers a menu which features gourmet pizza designed by the owner/chef. Pizzas featured are Margherita, prosciutto, mushroom, leek, potato, egg, and others that are not found in standard pizza joint. The appetizers and desserts feature brussels sprouts, olives and olive oils, mussels, and a charcuteirie plate with assorted cheeses, mustards, and baguette. All of the breads and doughs are made on site. A true gourmet food experience can be found here. Ask the bartender to suggest a wine or beer with your meal.  www.pizzabellakc.com

Blue Grotto, Brookside Plaza at 63^rd & Wornall, Kansas City , Missouri serves antipasta, soups, salads, entrees, and wood-fired pizza featuring Funghi and Salsiccia, and a Quattro Stagnioni pizza with artichokes, criminis, olives, peppers, and fontina cheese. The cast iron apple cobbler is a fitting finish to a delicious meal. The Blue Grotto has more good reviews online than most restaurants in town so it is worth the trip. www.bluegrottobrookside.com

Providence Pizza, Hwy 71 and Main Street, Grandview, Missouri specializes in pizza but also serves great calzones, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, and desserts. The restaurant offers the customer a choice of thin or thick crust, and an extensive list of toppings, cheeses, and sauces. Pizza is cooked in their large copper-clad wood-fired oven at the front of the restaurant. www.providencepizza.com.