2,000-year-old ‘pizza’ painting found in Italy

Eira Davis June 28, 2023 Offbeat

Does this mean that this well-loved delivery staple has been around for that long? Here’s what experts say

A painting — of what appeared to be a food item resembling a pizza — has been discovered in the ancient ruins of Pompeii

A painting — of what appeared to be a food item resembling a pizza — has been discovered in the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The 2,000-year-old fresco was found on the wall of a house during recent excavation work in southern Italy, reported BBC.

The ancient city of Pompeii and its preservation

The ancient city of Pompeii, in Italy, was buried under rocks and ashes when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The city, including its houses and people, remained preserved until it was discovered by archaeologists in the 16th century.

Discovery of the ancient fresco

The excavation was carried out in the Regio IX area in the centre of Pompeii this year when archaeologists stumbled upon the ancient fresco on a half-crumbled wall. The art depicts a silver platter containing a flatbread along with a goblet of wine, dates, pomegranates, and dried fruits, the report added.

A distant ancestor of the modern dish

The flatbread in the painting doesn’t seem to have the classic ingredients of a pizza like cheese and tomato. Due to this, Italy’s culture ministry thinks that it “may be a distant ancestor of the modern dish”, the report stated.

The painting’s connection to Greek hospitality ritual

The newly discovered painting is believed to refer to xenia, the Greek hospitality ritual. The tray represents the gifts that were given to guests as part of the tradition that dates back to the Hellenistic period. Similar images are said to be widespread in the homes of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried in the volcanic eruption, reported The Guardian.

The contrast between simplicity and indulgence

According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the fresco reflects the contrast between “a frugal and simple meal, which refers to a sphere between the bucolic and the sacred… and the luxury of silver trays and the refinement of artistic and literary representations”, reported Daily Mail.

Pizza’s rise from humble beginnings

Zuchtriegel added: “How can we fail to think, in this regard, of pizza, also born as a ‘poor’ dish in southern Italy, which has now conquered the world and is also served in starred restaurants”.