Pizza's roots can be traced back to ancient times, where various cultures prepared flatbreads with different toppings. It is often believed that Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans ate early versions of pizza by topping their flatbreads with olive oil, herbs, and cheese.

The modern pizza, as we know it today, originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th and 19th centuries. In Naples, street vendors developed simple flatbreads that they covered with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients to cater to the working-class population. These early pizzas were an affordable and filling meal.

Pizza Margherita, named after Italy's Queen Margherita, was invented in 1889 to honor her visit to Naples. Pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created this pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the Italian flag. This simple yet delicious recipe quickly became popular and is considered the classic pizza today.

With the immigration of Italian families to America and other parts of the world, pizza quickly spread and evolved into a global phenomenon. In the United States, new variations and styles emerged, such as New York Style Pizza and Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of this dish.