INFORMATION SHEET
LESSON 1
BREAD AND PASTRY PRODUCTION NC 11
INRODUCTION
The History of Baking: From Ancient Egyptians to Today
From bread and pie to pastries and cakes, baking has a long history that has satisfied the hunger of
countless people from worldwide civilizations for thousands of years. The next time you bake a
culinary masterpiece—or simply pop a frozen pizza in the oven—think of this history of baking.
Ancient Baking
The oldest known ovens were unearthed in Croatia in 2014. They are estimated to be 6,500 years
old. The Egyptians were also pioneers in baking as the first recorded civilization to use yeast in their
bread as long ago as 2600 BC.
Then, there was the Roman Empire’s Baker’s Guild established around 168 BC. This organization,
called the Pistorum, recognized bread bakers as skilled artisans. In fact, baking was held in such high
regard that a festival was held once a year to celebrate Fornax, the oven goddess.
Baking in the Middle Ages
During the Medieval period, ovens weren’t a standard fixture in any home. Those who could afford
wood-burning stoves (and the fuel to heat them) baked bread. The ability to produce high-quality
bread helped people climb higher up the social ladder.
In the Middle Ages, wheat bread was reserved for wealthy people. Dense, rich cakes in exotic colors
were only available to the highest echelons of society. Poor people stuck with rye and black bread
and, if they could afford it, meat pies.
LESSON 1
BREAD AND PASTRY PRODUCTION NC 11
INRODUCTION
The History of Baking: From Ancient Egyptians to Today
From bread and pie to pastries and cakes, baking has a long history that has satisfied the hunger of
countless people from worldwide civilizations for thousands of years. The next time you bake a
culinary masterpiece—or simply pop a frozen pizza in the oven—think of this history of baking.
Ancient Baking
The oldest known ovens were unearthed in Croatia in 2014. They are estimated to be 6,500 years
old. The Egyptians were also pioneers in baking as the first recorded civilization to use yeast in their
bread as long ago as 2600 BC.
Then, there was the Roman Empire’s Baker’s Guild established around 168 BC. This organization,
called the Pistorum, recognized bread bakers as skilled artisans. In fact, baking was held in such high
regard that a festival was held once a year to celebrate Fornax, the oven goddess.
Baking in the Middle Ages
During the Medieval period, ovens weren’t a standard fixture in any home. Those who could afford
wood-burning stoves (and the fuel to heat them) baked bread. The ability to produce high-quality
bread helped people climb higher up the social ladder.
In the Middle Ages, wheat bread was reserved for wealthy people. Dense, rich cakes in exotic colors
were only available to the highest echelons of society. Poor people stuck with rye and black bread
and, if they could afford it, meat pies.
