The existence of ice cream can be traced back to at least the fourth century B.C. Early references include the Roman Emperor Nero (A.D.37-68). He would order ice to be brought from the mountains with fruit toppings. King Tang of Shang of China had a method of creating ice cream and milk. Ice cream was brought to China, then later brought back to Europe. In 1774, a man name Phillip Lenzi announced to New York said that he would be offering to sell confections including ice cream. Dolly Madison served it in 1812. The first ice cream shop in America was first opened in New York City in 1776. They got the term "iced cream" from "iced tea". Now in the present time, there are many different flavors, not just vanilla.