The invention of pizza as we know it today is most often credited to Raffaele Esposito, a baker from Naples, Italy. In 1889, Esposito created what is considered the modern pizza—a flatbread topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil—in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. This creation, named Pizza Margherita, is widely recognized as the beginning of the pizza we enjoy today

. However, the concept of flatbreads with toppings dates back much further. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans ate various forms of flatbreads with herbs, oils, cheese, and other toppings, which laid the groundwork for pizza

. The term "pizza" itself was first recorded in 997 AD in Italy

. While Raffaele Esposito is credited with inventing the modern pizza, the dish evolved from these earlier flatbread traditions and became popular as a quick, affordable meal for working-class people in Naples during the 1700s and 1800s

. In summary:

• Early flatbreads with toppings existed in ancient times (Greeks, Egyptians, Romans).
• The word "pizza" appeared in Italy in 997 AD.
• Modern pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, was invented by Raffaele Esposito in Naples in 1889.
• Pizza became popular as street food for the working class in Naples before spreading worldwide