When was sandwich invented?

While there's no definitive answer to when the sandwich was "invented," the most common attribution goes to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, in the 18th century.

Here's why:

* The Earl's Gambling Habit: Legend has it that the Earl, a notorious gambler, was so engrossed in his games that he didn't want to leave the table for meals. He requested his servants to bring him meat between two slices of bread so he could continue playing. This is how the "sandwich" got its name.

* Historical Evidence: While there's no direct evidence of this specific incident, historical records do show that John Montagu was known for his love of food and gambling.

* Previous Forms: It's important to note that forms of bread with fillings existed long before the Earl. For example, the "bread and cheese" combination dates back to ancient civilizations.

So, while the Earl might not be the true "inventor" of the sandwich, he is widely credited with popularizing it and giving it its name.