Pizza was considered a peasant's meal in Italy for centuries. Modern Pizza is believed to have been invented to Raffaele Esposito a baker in Napes aski (Napoli), in the Campania region of Italy.
According to published reports, in 1889 Esposito of Pizzeria di Pietro (now called Pizzeria Brandi) baked pizza especially for the visit of Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margherita. One of these pizzas embellished the classic pizza alla marinara with mozzarella and basil.
According to historians this pizza was said to be very patriotic and because it "resembled the Italian flag" with its colors of green (basil), white (mozzarella), and red (tomatoes), and was favored by the Queen.
This pizza was named Pizza Margherita after the Queen of is believed to be the origin of the pizza we have today. Many believe it also establishes Naples as the pizza capitol of the world. If you visit Europe you'll find that what we call a Cheese Pizza is commonly referred to as a Marghertia Pizza.
In 1830 what is believed to be "the world's first true pizzeria," Antica Pizzeria Port' Alba, opened. This pizzeria is still in business today at Via Port'Alba 18 in Naples!
The general consensus is that the most authentic pizza is Pizza Napoletana (Neapolitan Pizza) made with fresh mozzarella, home-made sauce from fresh vine ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs, and the artistry of the pizzaioli, the pizza makers.
Truly great pizza dough is made only with flour, natural yeast or brewers yeast, salt and water. It must be kneaded by hand or mixers which do not cause the dough to overheat, and the dough must be punched down and shaped by hand.