when the fuck did we get ice cream

We basically "got" ice cream a very long time ago. The origins of ice cream date back to as early as the 2nd century B.C. Ancient figures like Alexander the Great enjoyed snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar. There are biblical references to King Solomon enjoying iced drinks. During the Roman Empire, Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar sent runners to collect snow to be flavored with fruits and juices. More recognizable forms of ice cream started appearing in Europe around the 16th century. Italy played a key role after Marco Polo brought back recipes resembling sherbet from the Far East. By the 17th century, England was serving "cream ice" at royal tables, and France was introduced to similar frozen desserts around the same time. The general public gained access to ice cream around the 1660s, and the recipe evolved to include milk, cream, butter, and eggs. It became more widely available in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially after the invention of the ice cream machine in the 19th century simplified production. In summary, ice cream's history spans over two millennia, evolving from flavored snow enjoyed by ancient civilizations into the creamy treat we know today.