The history of ice cream is a messy one. Many nations claim to
have invented it, just as various individuals take credit for
it. Still, it makes for a chilling drama. So grab a bowl of your
favorite flavor, and dig in. A.D 54–68: For centuries, iced
desserts were a luxury. Roman Emperor Nero is said to have sent
his slaves into the mountains to fetch snow to mix with nectar,
fruit pulp, and honey, although this widely told tale may be a
myth. A.D. 618–907: The origins of ice cream date back to
China's T'ang period, probably as a dish for the country's
rulers. The founder of the dynasty, King T'ang of Shang, kept 94
"ice men" on hand to lug ice to the palace to make a dish made
of koumiss (heated, fermented milk), flour, and camphor. 1744:
American colonists brought along recipes from Europe. On May 19,
1744, a group of VIP's dined at the home of Maryland Governor
Thomas Bladen. Present was a Scottish colonist who described "a
Dessert...Among the Rarities of which is was Compos'd, was some
fine Ice Cream which