What is the origin of pancakes?

Pancakes originated in ancient Greece, where they were known as "tagēnitēs" or "tēganitēs" (τηγανίτης). They were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and sometimes cheese or herbs, and were cooked in a pan over an open fire. The Greeks would often serve pancakes with honey or cheese as a breakfast or dessert.

The ancient Romans also had a version of pancakes, called "placentae". These were similar to the Greek tagēnitēs, but were often made with a yeast-based dough and could be filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, or fruit. Placentae were a popular street food in Rome and were often sold by vendors in the markets.

Pancakes continued to be a popular food throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and eventually spread to other parts of the world. In Europe, pancakes became a traditional Shrove Tuesday (or Mardi Gras) food, and in many countries they are still eaten as a way to use up rich ingredients like eggs and milk before the fasting period of Lent begins.

In the United States, pancakes were introduced by early European settlers, and they quickly became a popular breakfast food. American pancakes are typically made with a wheat flour-based batter, baking powder, and milk, and are often served with butter, syrup, and other toppings.