Where did pancakes originate and what were they originally?

The earliest known pancakes originate from ancient Greece, where they were known as "tagēnitēs" or "tēganitēs." These early pancakes were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and sometimes cheese or herbs, and were cooked on a hot griddle. They were often served as a dessert or snack.

Over time, pancakes spread throughout Europe and eventually became a popular breakfast food. In the United States, pancakes are often served with butter, syrup, and other toppings such as fruit, whipped cream, or bacon.