The History of the Fork – When Did It Arrive on European Tables?

Today, the fork is a staple of every meal, but its journey to European households was long—and surprisingly controversial. Its origins trace back to the Middle East, where forks were used in ancient Byzantine and Persian cuisines. However, it took much longer for the utensil to make its way into Europe, and its adoption was anything but straightforward.

The first recorded appearance of the fork in Europe dates back to the 11th century, when Byzantine princess Theodora married Venetian Doge Domenico Selvo and brought the strange utensil with her. Her refined dining habits sparked outrage—clergymen denounced the fork as a symbol of vanity and an insult to divine design, which supposedly intended food to be eaten with one's hands.

For centuries, the fork remained a luxury reserved for the elite. It wasn't until the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly thanks to the Italian and French aristocracy, that it began to gain popularity. Travelers like Thomas Coryat helped promote fork use after observing it abroad, although they were often mocked for their "odd table manners."

A major turning point came in the 18th century, when forks became more common among the European middle class. The evolution of its design—most notably the introduction of the four-tined fork—greatly improved its practicality and usability.

Today, it's hard to imagine a dining table without a fork. But it's worth remembering that its place there is the result of centuries of cultural and culinary transformation. From Byzantine palaces to everyday kitchens, the fork has traveled a long road to become the symbol of refinement and dining comfort we know today.