What culture baked the first known cake?

It's impossible to say definitively which culture baked the first known cake, as the concept of a sweet, baked treat likely evolved independently in different parts of the world.

However, some early forms of cake-like baked goods have been documented in ancient civilizations:

* Ancient Egypt: Evidence suggests that Egyptians baked flatbreads sweetened with honey and dates, which could be considered a precursor to cake. They also made a honey-based treat called "beebread" which may resemble a modern cake.

* Ancient Greece: Greeks were known for their "plakuntos," a type of pastry filled with cheese, honey, and herbs. While not a modern cake, it shows an early understanding of sweet baked goods.

* Ancient Rome: Romans enjoyed a variety of sweet breads and pastries, often flavored with honey, nuts, and spices. They also developed a sweet, unleavened bread called "panis mellitus" that could be considered a primitive cake.

It's important to remember that the concept of "cake" is a modern one. Early forms of sweet baked goods likely differed significantly from what we consider cake today.

Therefore, while we can't definitively pinpoint the first culture to bake cake, these ancient civilizations offer fascinating glimpses into the origins of this beloved dessert.