The History of Olives
A Fruit of Inestimable Historical Importance
Olives and olive oil have a history that is intertwined with that of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean.
The first traces of olive cultivation date back some 6,000 years, in the lands of present-day Turkey and Syria, from where it spread throughout the Mediterranean basin.
In Egypt, oil was considered sacred, used to anoint pharaohs and as fuel for lamps.
But it was in ancient Greece that the olive acquired an extraordinary symbolic value: during the Olympic Games, winners were awarded a crown of olive leaves, a symbol of glory and immortality.
Olive oil also became a staple in Greek and Roman diets, where it was used as both food and medicine, and was often offered to the gods in temples.
In the Middle Ages, olive cultivation spread further thanks to the Benedictine monks, who saw to its spread throughout Europe, especially in Spain, Italy and France.
At that time, oil was also used for food preservation and as an ingredient for folk remedies.
During the Renaissance, olive oil became a prized product, a symbol of luxury in European courts.
Noble families used the oil not only in cooking, but also as a base for preparing cosmetics and skin-care lotions.
Today, extra virgin olive oil is recognised worldwide not only for its gastronomic use, but also for its countless health benefits.
Olives continue to be a symbol of peace, prosperity and tradition, and olive cultivation is still a pillar of the agricultural economy in many Mediterranean regions.
The link between the olive tree and
Mediterranean culture is inseparable, and its fruit continues to be a true treasure, not only in history, but also in our present.
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Data:15-01-2025 11:31
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