Ancient Pompeii pizza - 17th July 2023

Archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered a painting of a prototype for Italy’s most famous dish: pizza. The fresco depicts a flat focaccia loaded with dates and pomegranate and seasoned with spices. While the meal certainly looks like pizza, it’s missing the essential modern ingredients, namely tomatoes and mozzarella.

2,000 years ago, tomatoes hadn’t yet been brought over from the New World to Europe and mozzarella hadn’t yet been invented. Ancient Roman meals consisted of grains, beans, bread, fish, meat, and eggs. Other staples in their diet were hard and soft cheeses and wine, which appears in the fresco in a silver cup.

Archaeologists claim that images of food went beyond the desire to inspire hunger. Images of meals often represented the Greek concept of ‘xenia’. This emphasises the guest-host relationship and the importance of hospitality. Guests in ancient Roman houses were bathed and fed by their hosts.

The fresco shows both silver trays holding luxurious dishes, as well as humble foods like the pizza. Speaking on this balance of wealth and modesty, the director of Pomepeii’s archaeological park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel stated, "How can we not think, in this regard, of pizza, also born as a 'poor' dish in southern Italy, which has now conquered the world".

The fresco was unearthed in remarkable condition owing to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Its deadly cloud of gas and ash buried Pompeii, preserving where each resident died and the household artefacts and decorations of their homes.

Rediscovered in the 16th century, Pompeii’s become a rich source of historical knowledge. Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano underlined the importance of protecting Pompeii. He said, "Pompeii never ceases to amaze, it is a casket that always reveals new treasures."

The flatbread fresco was unearthed less than 25 kilometres from Naples, home to UNESCO-protected Italian pizza-making methods.