Who invented the appetizers?

It's impossible to pinpoint a single inventor of appetizers. The concept of small, pre-meal snacks has existed for centuries across different cultures:

* Ancient Rome: Romans had "gustationes," small dishes served before the main course.

* Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, people enjoyed "hors d'oeuvres" (meaning "outside the work") which were small snacks served before a larger meal.

* 19th Century France: The French refined the concept with "amuse-bouches" (meaning "mouth pleasers"). These small, bite-sized snacks were served to stimulate the appetite and prepare the palate for the main meal.

So, instead of a single inventor, the concept of appetizers evolved over time through various cultures and culinary traditions.