Who first invented the cake?

It's impossible to pinpoint exactly who invented cake, as its history goes back thousands of years.

Here's what we *do* know:

* Ancient Origins: The earliest forms of cake were likely flatbreads sweetened with honey or dates, found in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

* Roman & Greek Influences: The Romans and Greeks developed more sophisticated cakes, often using ingredients like olive oil, nuts, and spices.

* Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, cakes became more elaborate, incorporating sugar, eggs, and butter.

* Cake as we know it: The invention of the modern cake, with its distinct layers and icings, is often credited to the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. This was driven by technological advancements like the oven and the availability of ingredients like refined sugar.

Therefore, there is no singular inventor of cake. It's a product of countless cultures and civilizations contributing to its evolution over millennia.