Was garlic bread an old type of bread?

It's tricky to say definitively when "garlic bread" as we know it first appeared. Here's what we know:

* Ancient Roots: The combination of bread and garlic is incredibly old. Ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome all enjoyed bread with garlic, often as a topping or ingredient. They didn't have ovens like ours, so it might have been more like a garlic-infused flatbread.

* Evolution Through History: Over the centuries, bread-making techniques advanced, and the idea of garlic-infused bread continued to evolve. In Italy, "bruschetta" emerged, which is toasted bread with garlic and olive oil. This is a common ancestor of modern garlic bread.

* Rise of Garlic Bread: The "garlic bread" we know today, with butter and often herbs, seems to have gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century. It became a staple at restaurants and a favorite side dish for many.

In short: While the basic concept of garlic and bread is ancient, the modern "garlic bread" with its specific ingredients and preparation methods is a relatively recent invention.