Bread and pastry have evolved significantly over the centuries. In medieval times, bread was a luxury while the poor mainly ate rye or black bread. Baking became more prevalent and varied from the 15th century onward as globalization introduced new ingredients like spices and sugars. Developments like semi-closed ovens and baking powder in the 18th-19th centuries led to lighter cakes and more elaborate baked goods becoming available to common people. The history of bread production can be traced back to ancient Egyptians, while pastries emerged in forms like pies, biscuits and cookies in ancient Roman and medieval times.