Archaeologists state that the painting discovered on a wall in the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii depicts food that was believed to be pizza, an iconic Italian dish, but it is not. This is because the mural was painted around 2,000 years ago, long before the main ingredients of pizza - tomatoes and mozzarella cheese - were introduced to Italy. According to Reuters, tomatoes only arrived in Europe from the Americas a few centuries ago, and it is widely believed that the creation of pizza was directly related to the discovery of mozzarella cheese in the 1700s in Naples, Italy. Experts suggest that instead, the food depicted in the painting appears to be an Italian bread known as focaccia, topped with fruits and spices or a type of Italian sauce called 'pesto,' served on a tray alongside a glass of wine. The mural shows a relatively affordable meal on a silver tray in a luxurious setting, which, according to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological site, 'is not unlike today's pizza, which was born as food for the poor in southern Italy [but] has conquered the world and is now served in five-star restaurants.' The ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed in 79 AD due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and this sudden and deadly event preserved many buildings, objects, and even the inhabitants of the city in volcanic ash. The location where the mural was discovered, initially thought to depict a pizza on a tray, is now a major archaeological site and one of the world's tourist attractions.
Archaeologists Say Food Depicted on Wall of Pompeii Ruins Is Not Pizza
Archaeologists have clarified that a mural found in Pompeii, initially thought to depict pizza, actually shows focaccia with toppings. This finding highlights the historical timeline of pizza's ingredients and its evolution from a poor man's food to a global culinary phenomenon. The discovery emphasizes the importance of accurate historical interpretations in understanding cultural heritage.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Archaeologists clarified that a mural in Pompeii, initially thought to depict pizza, actually shows focaccia with toppings. This finding emphasizes the historical context of pizza's ingredients and its evolution over time.
- The mural dates back around 2,000 years, predating the introduction of tomatoes and mozzarella to Italy.
- The discovery highlights the transition of food from a poor man's meal to a global culinary icon.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD, preserving many aspects of daily life, including food culture. The evolution of pizza reflects broader trends in food history and social class.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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